Her prognosis is good.
The recent West Nile virus outbreak is the largest ever seen in the United States, according to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of cases so far this year is the highest recorded since the disease was first detected in the United States in 1999. As of Aug. 21, 38 states had reported human infections. The cases reported to the CDC total 1,118, including 41 deaths.
The County is encouraging all residents to be aware of habitats that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Some mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water that has been stagnant for as little as four days. Weeds, tall grass and shrubbery provide an enticing home for mosquitoes to thrive. Some will breed in discarded tires, buckets, birdbaths, pots, pet dishes and any other outside containers that are open.
The County is advising residents to check, identify and eliminate the following areas and conditions where these potentially deadly carriers of West Nile virus can breed:
- Clogged gutters which can collect water
- Untreated, standing water
- Swimming pools and ponds which are unattended
- Pots, planters, bird baths and dishes that collect water outside the home
- Leaky outdoor faucets
- Any outside vegetation such as grass, leaves or other debris which allow standing water to collect or retain surface water
The County urges residents to canvass not only their homes but also their neighborhood to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
The West Nile virus can have a serious effect on animals and pets who remain outside for all or most of the day. Horses are highly susceptible to infection by certain types of mosquitoes that can carry the virus. Any animal that spends time outdoors near any of the above cited conditions is a potential candidate for becoming infected with West Nile.
Some additional proactive measures that citizens can take include:
- Avoiding outside activity at dusk and dawn
- Making sure that doors and windows have tight fittings and solid screens that repel mosquitoes’ entrance
- Draining all standing, stagnant water
- Using insect repellent that features DEET
- Changing water in bird baths, pet dishes and flower pots every few days
For further information on West Nile virus contagions contact the Pinal County Division of Environmental Health Mosquito Hotline at 1-866-287-0209 x-6200.
