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Six West Nile cases reported in Pinal
Arizona tops the nation with 54 cases, three deaths this year
Staff Reports
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As of Friday, six cases of West Nile virus had been reported in Pinal County this year, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
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No one in the county has died from the virus.
Maricopa County has reported 48 cases of West Nile virus, for a statewide total of 54 cases this year to date, according to the ADHS website.
According to a county press release, in all of 2009, Pinal County had no reported cases of West Nile virus and little of the disease in its carrier, the mosquito. Arizona leads the country in the number of human West Nile cases.
Substantial West Nile virus activity has been reported in parts of Maricopa and Pinal counties as evidenced by mosquito surveillance and documented cases in the past two months, according to the press release. The area of most intense activity has been in the East Valley area including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley. Surveillance activities now indicate a further spread into Pinal County with positive mosquitoes identified in Maricopa, Florence, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Arizona City and Stanfield. Human cases have been reported in Casa Grande, Coolidge, San Tan Valley, Apache Junction and on tribal land over the last two weeks.
Three West Nile-associated deaths have also been identified in Arizona so far this year, none of which occurred in Pinal County.
“West Nile virus has been around for several years, and the past couple of years we have seen a decrease in concern among the public,” said Tom Schryer, director of Pinal County Public Health. “The fact is West Nile virus is a significant threat to public health and should not be taken lightly. While the illness from West Nile virus is oftentimes minor, we continue to see severe illness that can result in permanent neurological damage and or death. I urge all Pinal County residents to take the simple steps needed to protect themselves, family and friends from West Nile virus. West Nile risks need to be taken seriously.”
Pinal County Environmental Health has also responded to about 300 complaints regarding mosquitoes, standing water or neglected swimming pools since the start of mosquito season, the release said. Once identified, pools are treated to ensure mosquitoes are not able to breed in the water.
The following is an excerpt from a county press release explaining precautions people can take to identify symptoms of West Nile virus and what to do to avoid getting the disease.
The Symptoms
-No symptoms in most people. About 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile will not show any symptoms at all.
-Milder symptoms in some people. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.
-Serious symptoms in a few people. About one in 150 people infected with West Nile will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
Prevention
-The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile is to prevent mosquito bites.
-Use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
-Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
-Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
-Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
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