While the monsoon rain Arizona has seen of late is welcome in so many ways, the standing water that follows – often in places you don’t think about around the yard – can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. The most-common mosquito-borne disease is West Nile virus. Most of those [...]
Monsoon 2022 has arrived, and with it the promise of thunderstorms that will bring welcome rain. But the storms and the dust they kick up also bring health hazards, especially for those who already have respiratory ailments. Dust storms and heavy downpours occur across the state but are a higher concern for more than 6 [...]
Monsoon season is fast-approaching and with it thunderstorm activity that will continue through September, during which more than half of Arizona’s yearly rainfall will occur. You and your family will be able to enjoy some great views of Arizona’s extreme weather, but it is also important to be aware that thunderstorms may result in alerts for flash flooding, high winds, and lightning. This [...]
Governor Ducey proclaimed this week (June 12-17) as Monsoon Awareness Week in Arizona. While we haven’t yet been hit by the rain we expect during monsoon, we’re anticipating another summer of severe weather. Monsoons in Arizona can be associated with extreme heat, thunderstorms, dust storms, flash floods and wildfires. For public health, this means revisiting our preparedness plans and [...]
Our state has experienced some powerful storms over the past month with the most recent hitting the Greater Phoenix Area last night. After the storm passes, the threat to public health can continue. Fortunately, there are simple actions you can take to prevent the spread of these health risks, including mosquito-borne disease, flood water runoff [...]
In the Sonoran Desert monsoon = scorpion season. We have more than 56 species of scorpions- but the bark scorpion is the biggie. Since you live in the bark scorpion’s territory, you probably have them around or maybe even inside your home. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center and Banner Good Samaritan Poison & Drug Information Center answer [...]
Monsoon rain and humidity is great (at least I think so)… but with it comes mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus. Every year since West Nile virus was introduced to AZ in ‘04, we’ve had human cases of West Nile Virus (meaning it’s endemic now). The total number of cases bumps around every year from [...]
With the monsoon comes an increase in foodborne illnesses in Arizona. While outdoor pool parties, barbeques, and family gatherings are cool, it’s important to remember some tips for handling food safely to protect your family and guests from a nasty bout of foodborne illnesses. According to the CDC, reducing foodborne illness by just 10% would keep 5 million Americans [...]
We’re smack dab in the middle of monsoon now, which means it’s time to think about Valley Fever. It’s a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil in the desert (below 4,000 feet). People get it by breathing in dust that contains fungal spores. Valley Fever causes cough, fever, headache, feeling [...]
Valley Fever typically peaks in late fall and early winter with a minor peak from June to August (refer to the 2007-2011 Valley Fever Report). Those who've been in Arizona for a while may know that Valley Fever is a lung infection caused by a fungus that is common in the soil here. In most cases, [...]
