2 deaths from West Nile virus in Maricopa County this season

by Virginia Carter
in World Media
— Aug 19, 2016

"West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that is most often spread by the bite of an infected mosquito".

The human case of West Nile virus in suburban Cook County has been confirmed by the Cook County Department of Public Health. Symptoms of these diseases might include headache, rash, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma, and paralysis. The positive test marks the first confirmed case of a person in the county contracting the virus since 2009.

Zika virus is also transmitted mostly by mosquitoes, but the main breed of mosquito carrying the virus, Aedes aegypti, is rarely found in IL. "Mosquito bites are itchy and annoying but they can have other consequences as well".

Borenstein said that people should take steps to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing long sleeves and trousers, and use mosquito repellant when outdoors. Try to keep windows and doors shut.

Repel mosquitoes when outdoors by wearing shoes and socks, long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt.

DEET-Apply repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as DEET, and follow the directions on the package. "The health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water which will kill any mosquito eggs", Pozzi said.

Trixie Smith, Prevention Services Division Manager for CCHD, said, "No infection in humans, horses, or birds, has been detected in Cascade County so far this year, but we still encourage all residents to take steps to protect themselves". Penny Borenstein, Health Officer for SLO County.

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