It’s been an active Arizona monsoon so far, and that means it’s also time to be thinking about mosquitoes and guarding against West Nile virus.
West Nile, the most common mosquito-borne disease in Arizona, causes symptoms in about 20% of those infected ranging from fever, headaches, and body aches to, in rare cases, inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.
Unfortunately, mosquitoes can bite any time of day or night, so you need to take precautions at all times against West Nile and other diseases mosquitoes spread. To protect yourself and your family, be sure to wear insect repellent outdoors and make sure your screens are intact. It also helps to dress young children in lightweight long-sleeve shirts and long pants if they are going to be outside.
ADHS works closely with local health departments, vector control agencies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on surveillance of mosquito-borne diseases. These inform prevention messages and keep healthcare providers up-to-date.
You can help prevent mosquitoes from breeding by looking out for and addressing sources of standing water on your property and keeping your yard clear of debris that can become a breeding site.
To learn more about West Nile and other mosquito-borne illness, along with more ways to protect your household, please visit our website.
