From Judy Hedding,
Your Guide to Phoenix.
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The State of Arizona has a surveillance program in place tracking West Nile Virus occurrences. The program focuses on virus activity in mosquitoes, chicken flocks, dead birds, sick horses, and humans.

There's not much that can be done to prevent West Nile Virus. Although several people across the country have died from the West Nile Virus, it is important not to panic and remember that the numbers are relatively very, very small. On rare occasions, the West Nile Virus infection can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness known as West Nile encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain). The risk of severe disease is higher for persons 50 years of age and older. In general, one is much more likely to be killed by lightening or by a drunk driver than by West Nile Virus. While the State is taking a proactive role in protecting the citizens of the state from West Nile Virus, there are some common sense actions that we can take.

Minimizing the Likelihood of Contracting West Nile Virus

• Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Although you can't do much about the man-made lakes and lagoons around town, you can keep your home free from standing water. Eliminate any standing water in cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other containers.
• Change water in flower vases, birdbaths, planters and animal watering pans at least twice a week.
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
• Move air conditioner drain hoses frequently to keep mosquitoes from breeding inside.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET when going out at dawn, dusk or at night.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET if you'll be spending time near standing water, such as when playing golf or at a park with a pond or lake.
• Make sure you read the insect repellent instructions when applying it to children.
• Wear clothing that covers the arms and legs. Spray the clothing with insect repellent.

If I Get West Nile Virus How Will I Know?

• The incubation period for West Nile Virus is between 3 and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
• Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or only mild ones.
• Symptoms may include fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
• A sever case of West Nile Virus may result in headaches, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and, rarely, death.
• Less than 1% of persons infected with West Nile virus will develop a severe illness. People over 50 years old are at the greatest risk.
• If a person contracts West Nile Virus, he does develop an immunity to it, presumably for the rest of his life.
• Although it is under development, there is currently no vaccine for West Nile Virus.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have West Nile Virus?

• Remember, not every mosquito bite means that you have become infected.
• If you are having symptoms as mentioned above, see your doctor immediately. Let your doctor know if you have recently traveled to an area where West Nile Virus is know to exist. Your doctor will do the appropriate tests and notify any authorities that may be required.

Something Else You Should Know About West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is not transmitted between humans or between animals and humans. It is spread by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes may bite people or animals. Those people or animals may or may not contract West Nile Virus as a result of the bite.

To see the total number of cases of West Nile Virus detected so far, and the deaths associated with those cases, visit the Center for Disease Control.

For information on dead bird surveillance and mosquito control in the greater Phoenix area, or to report dead birds, contact the Maricopa County Health Department.