"The monsoon season has kicked into full gear, so the risk for West Nile virus has increased," said state Health Director Susan Gerard. "With the amount of standing water in our communities due to the recent heavy rains, Arizona's residents must take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites."

The arrival of the monsoon season is likely to increase West Nile activity because mosquitoes breed in standing water. West Nile is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.

The best way to protect yourself from this mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as:

• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Check for items outside the home that collect water, such as potted plants, cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other containers.
• Drain standing water which remains for more than 3 days in low lying areas of your property.
• Change water in flower vases, birdbaths, planters and animal watering pans at least twice a week.
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and move air conditioner drain hoses frequently.
• Install or repair screen doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
• Wear mosquito repellant and lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs during dawn or dusk and at night. These are the times when mosquitoes are most active.
• Keep swimming pools, animal troughs, and fountains operating properly and free from debris.

Approximately 20 percent of people infected with the virus will feel flu-like symptoms occurring three to 15 days after the mosquito bite. Some people will experience no symptoms at all while for a small percentage can be serious or even fatal.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. A small percentage of people who are infected with WNV will experience severe symptoms, such as meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis, and even death. People over the age of 50 are generally at a higher risk for severe symptoms. If a person thinks he or she has symptoms of West Nile Virus, he or she should consult their health care provider.

To date in 2008, West Nile virus activity has been detected in 8 of Arizona's 15 counties. WNV positive mosquitoes have been trapped in 3 counties, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yuma, and sentinel chickens have tested positive for WNV in 6 counties: Cochise, Greenlee, Graham, Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz.  However, with the recent rainfall, additional WNV positive findings are expected throughout Arizona.

The state's Web site www.westnileaz.com can provide additional information.