NewsDesk @bactiman63

Maricopa County, AZ health officials are reporting 57 West Nile virus (WNV) cases through August 9 this year. This is more than double the 26 cases that were reported during the same period in 2022 and more than the total cases for the whole year (46).

Image/francok35

Five deaths have been reported to date.

Nationally, 126 total WNV cases have been reported in 22 states this year to date.

WNV is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through mosquito bites. WNV is found on every continent except Antarctica. It was first detected in North America in 1999, and has since spread across the continental United States and Canada and is well established. Maricopa County had its first WNV outbreak in 2004.

In 2021, Maricopa County reported 1480 cases and 101 deaths.

WNV is spread to people primarily through the bite of infected Culex species mosquitoes. Culex mosquitoes are found in Maricopa County and other parts of Arizona. These mosquitoes generally bite from evening to early morning so it is important to protect against mosquito bites whenever you are outside.

WNV can be spread in other ways, too.In rare cases, WNV also can be transmitted during blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.

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