Experts warn of West Nile dangers

There were two positive results of the West Nile Virus in Yuma County earlier this month, and the Yuma County Pest Abatement District wants to remind residents of the continued risk of exposure.

According to a release from the district, the West Nile virus was detected in early July in mosquitoes collected from along the Colorado River west of Yuma. In addition, a blood sample from a sentinel chicken flock in the same area was also positive.

“These two results confirm that transmission of West Nile virus is taking place between birds in that area,” according to the release. “No human or veterinary cases have been reported as of July 28.”

But other counties in the state are not so fortunate.

This year, there have already been two human fatalities in Maricopa County and 18 confirmed human cases, 15 of which developed into neuroinvasive disease, according to the release. More than 160 samples of mosquitoes from eastern central Arizona have tested positive for the virus.

West Nile is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.

According to the release, “most infected people report no symptoms, but about 20 percent of infected people do report symptoms such sever fever and headache, occasionally with a rash on the tru

nk of the body. One out of 150 infected people develop more severe neurological disease.”

The Yuma County Pest Abatement District recommends that people avoid exposure to mosquitoes at night, especially in areas reported to be infected with the West Nile Virus. Use of repellents containing DEET or Picaridin are highly recommended.

In addition, nighttime spraying has been done in the area to reduce the risk of transmission to humans, but the use of repellents and minimizing exposure is recommended, according to the release.

For more information about West Nile, visit www.cdc.gov.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.