The National Weather Service has extended an Extreme Heat Warning for 13 counties. Daytime highs are expected to reach 108°F. Coconino, La Paz, Mohave, and Yavapai counties will be affected March 18-22. Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties will be affected March 19-22. Drink water, limit your time in the sun, and check on neighbors and family members. Visit air-conditioned public spaces like malls, libraries, or community centers to stay cool. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.

Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Diseases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued the following health advisories for vector-borne diseases:

The CDC recommends that pregnant travelers discuss travel plans, reasons for travel, steps to prevent bug bites, and potential risks with their healthcare provider.

What to do if you're a member of the public:
What to do if you're a health care provider:
  • Have increased suspicion of dengue and Oropouche virus infection for people with fever who have been in areas with dengue or Oropouche virus transmission within 14 days before illness onset.
  • Advise patients who plan to travel to take steps to prevent mosquito bites during travel and for 3 weeks after returning, especially if traveling to an area with frequent or continuous dengue or Oropouche virus transmission.
  • If Oropouche virus infection is suspected, contact your local health department to consider testing at the CDC (specific criteria for testing are here and include a negative dengue test result).
  • If dengue is suspected, order the following diagnostic tests based on the timing of sample collection:
    • For zero to seven days from onset, test serum using PCR and IgM, or NS1 antigen and IgM.
    • For more than seven days from onset, test serum using IgM.