Cochise County Health and Social Services officials say the Monsoon is bringing out more mosquitoes.
The weather increases the risk of getting diseases like the West Nile virus or encephalitis virus, County officials said through a press release. They added some parts of Arizona are seeing more cases of West Nile Virus.
117 cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in the Maricopa, Pinal and Yuma, counties this year. That’s compared to just one case in 2018 and 40 cases in 2017.
“Viruses are transmitted from person to person through an infected mosquito bite – a mosquito bites someone infected with the virus and becomes infected itself, then bites healthy people and infects them,” according to the press release.
“Symptoms for the most common diseases can start about one week after the bite and can include fever, chills, rash, joint/muscle pain, body aches, nausea, and vomiting. For most diseases spread by mosquitos, there are no vaccines or cures available.”
If bitten by a mosquito and the mentioned symptoms happen, County officials advise people to go see a doctor immediately.
Cochise County health officials say to help protect yourself you should:
• Wear bug spray, preferably with 30% DEET or stronger. Reapply as the day goes by.
• Make sure open doors and windows have intact screens.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors.
• Remove standing water around the house and yard (such as old tires, birdbaths, flowerpots, children’s pools).
• Protect yourself from mosquitoes while traveling to areas where these viruses are prevalent.
For more information on mosquitoes visit www.azhealth.gov/mosquito
