ADHS
News Release:
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The Arizona Department of Health Services
today reported the state’s first death from West Nile
Virus in 2008. Tests from the Arizona State Health
Laboratory indicated that a woman in her '80s from
Maricopa County died from West Nile Virus encephalitis
this month.
“The recent monsoon activity has kick started the West
Nile Virus season in Arizona,” said Craig Levy, manager
of the state’s Vector-Borne Disease program. “This
tragic death is a reminder of the importance of
protecting yourself against mosquito bites.”
“Ridding your home of standing water translates to
ridding your property of mosquitoes,” said Dr. Bob
England, director of Maricopa County Public Health.
“This small effort could make all the difference in
protecting a loved one from West Nile virus.”
Other indicators of increased West Nile activity include
West Nile positive mosquito pools in Maricopa, Pinal and
Yuma counties. In addition, West Nile positive “sentinel
chickens” have been identified in Cochise, Graham,
Pinal, Santa Cruz, Greenlee and Pima counties.
Since its first arrival in Arizona in 2003, more than
750 residents have been infected with the disease.
Forty-two deaths have been attributed to West Nile in
the state, including seven last year.
“Be prepared,” Levy urged. “Use insect repellent, and
wear protective clothing, especially between dusk and
dawn and in areas where mosquitoes are active. One of
the most important things we can do is to be sure we are
not raising mosquitoes in our pools, ponds and
birdbaths”
The state has established a web site,
http://www.westnileaz.com, and a toll-free number,
1-800-314-9243, (Metro Phoenix: 602-364-4500), to
provide additional information.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals
through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes become infected when
they feed on infected birds.
The best way to protect yourself from 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 cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums
and other containers.
- 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.
- Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes when going outside
at night by using insect repellent.
- Wear lightweight clothing that covers the arms and
legs during dawn or dusk, or in areas where mosquitoes
are active.
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