The 2021 West Nile virus outbreak in Maricopa County was the highest in years, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
that year, The county reported the fifth and largest West Nile virus outbreak with 1,487 reported cases, including 1,014 hospitalizations and 101 deaths.In 2021, according to CDC data: Statewide, there have been 1,715 West Nile virus cases and 125 deaths..
The CDC noted that the outbreak occurred because the county’s health system was already taxing from the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Arizona Republic reported in October 2021.
Just two years ago, Arizona led the nation in West Nile virus deaths, according to the CDC. Here’s how Irene Roberto of the Arizona Department of Health Services and her CDC are advising Arizona people to best prepare for the impending West Nile virus season. mosquito-borne disease.
What should Arizonans expect this West Nile virus season?
It has been endemic in Arizona since 2003, and the highest rates of infection are typically found in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties during West Nile virus season, according to the State Department of Health’s Disease Program Manager. says one Roberto. In the states, the virus usually spreads from May through October, and sometimes through November, Roberto said.
“It’s hard to predict because every season is a little bit different, and it’s also hard to predict how big a season will be,” Roberto said.
She added that seasonal rains in central Arizona cause mosquitoes to swarm and cause infections.
“Historically, high seasons tend to be followed by low seasons, but we’ve seen some viability.
What are the most common West Nile virus symptoms?
According to the CDC, 8 out of 10 people with West Nile virus have no symptoms. However, the CDC notes that 1 in 5 people will have a fever.
These are other fever-related symptoms of West Nile virus:
- headache
- body pain
- joint pain
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- rash
The CDC notes that the fatigue and weakness associated with West Nile virus fever can last for weeks or months.
What about serious illness from West Nile virus?
Serious illnesses such as encephalitis and meningitis, both of which involve inflammation of the brain, occur in 1 in 150 people, according to the CDC. Meanwhile, people over the age of 60 (her 1 in 50) are at increased risk of serious illness related to West Nile virus, according to the CDC.
Arizona resident Jennifer Tank shared with the Republic of Arizona in 2021. She forgot how to use her words, she could barely walk and she was sleeping 20 hours a day.
About 1 in 10 people with a serious illness that affects the central nervous system dies, according to the CDC, and those who survive can be permanently affected. Recovery from severe illness can take weeks or months, the CDC adds.
Serious symptoms to look for include:
- high fever
- headache
- neck stiffness
- stupor
- disorientation
- coma
- tremor
- convulsions
- muscle weakness
- decreased vision
- Numbness
- paralysis
How Can Arizonans Protect Against West Nile Virus?
there is No vaccine or drug to treat West Nile virusBut Roberto says these are some ways to prevent infection.
- Use insect repellent.
- Make sure the window screen is not damaged.
- Clean or treat pools to stop mosquito breeding.
- Remove backyard containers or clean them out regularly to stop mosquito breeding.
Maricopa County encourages residents to: Repel, remove, repair and remind you of “Fight the Bite!”web page.
