Maricopa County reports 1st West Nile death of season

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first West Nile virus-related death of the season - an older adult with underlying health conditions.

"This case is a tragic reminder that West Nile virus can cause severe illness and even death," said Melissa Kretschmer, an epidemiology supervisor at MCDPH.

"As mosquito activity increases across Maricopa County, we encourage residents to take prevention seriously by using insect repellent, eliminating standing water around their homes and protecting themselves from mosquito bites whenever they spend time outdoors."

West Nile virus is typically spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected don’t show symptoms,  but about one in five may develop a flu-like illness with fever, headache and body aches, according to a release from the department.

 In rare cases — about one in 150 — the virus can cause severe complications like encephalitis or meningitis, which might lead to paralysis, long-term disability or death, health officials said.

Older adults, people with underlying health conditions and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.

“Even an overturned bottle cap can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed,” Kretschmer said. “It’s important that we remove these breeding sources that can form after rain or watering plants.”

County officials provided no details on the community where the infected person may have been bitten.

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