West Nile Virus
Arizona reported its first confirmation of the
West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne virus, in 2003. Please
take a few moments to review how you can safeguard your family
and home.
Facts
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The West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of
an infected mosquito and can infect people, horses, many
types of birds and other animals. Peak mosquito
feeding hours occur from dusk until dawn.
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Only an estimated 1-3% of West Nile Virus
infections will develop severe illness. Most people
infected by the virus will either show no symptoms or only
mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and body
aches. Rarely do symptoms get more severe.
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On rare occasions, West Nile Virus infection
can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness known as
West Nile encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or
meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and
spinal cord).
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The risk of severe disease is higher for
persons 50 years of age and older.
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There is currently no vaccine available for
the prevention of West Nile Virus.
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No evidence currently exists to suggest that
West Nile Virus can be spread from person to person or from
animal to person.
Prevention and Control - Help "Fight the Bite"
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Eliminate standing water which allows
mosquitoes to breed. Check for items outside the home
that collect water such as cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old
tires, drums and other containers.
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Change water in flower vases, bird baths,
planters and animal watering pans at least twice a week.
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Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and
move air conditioner drain hoses frequently.
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Avoid bites when going outside at night in
areas where mosquitoes are present by using insect
repellent.
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Wear light-weight clothing that covers the
arms and legs.
To report observations of
standing, stagnant water in public areas in Mesa, notify the
Mesa Environmental Hotline at 480-644-3599.
Maricopa County Vector Control
has established a West Nile virus hotline. Residents may
call 602-506-0700 and select from the following menu:
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Option 1- Information on
reporting green pools, stagnant water on private property,
mosquitos and a request to be included on a list of chemically
sensitive citizens.
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Option 2- Information on
nightly fogging activities and access to the West Nile virus
public health hotline.
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Option 3 - Information on
how to obtain mosquito eating fish and to speak to Maricopa
County Vector Control.
Residents may also report
stagnant bodies of water or mosquitoes on private property by
filling out a Maricopa County Vector Control mosquito complaint form.