West Nile turns up in Dome Valley mosquito samples

  The West Nile virus turned up in samples of mosquitoes collected this week in Dome Valley, according to the Yuma County Pest Abatement District.

  Testing done at a University of Arizona lab in Somerton found the virus in mosquito samples collected Monday along the Gila River in each of the locations of Avenues 19E, 22E and 25E, the district said.

  People bitten by mosquitoes infected with the virus may experience flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, headaches and fatigue. In rare cases, West Nile can lead to death.

  Mosquitoes contract the virus from birds they have bitten and then pass it on to humans and animals they bite.

  No reports of veterinary or human West Nile cases have been recorded this year from Yuma County, according to Chris Sumner, manager of the pest abatement district.

  Incidence of West Nile virus has increased recently after a slow start this year, according to Sumner.

  As of Wednesday, there had been 12 positive mosquito samples collected from throughout Arizona, according to the district. By this time last year,  here were more than 70 positive samples from around the state.

  A previous sample of mosquitoes collected from the Colorado River near Yuma Proving Ground also tested positive in late April, the district said.

  Sumner recommends that people wear long sleeves and long pants and apply insect repellent when frequenting mosquito-infested areas, such as rivers. 

  The species of mosquitoes that carry the virus are primarily active after dark only, he said.