Mosquitos can do more than cause an itch...

For most people a mosquito bite is more of an annoyance than a cause for alarm. In Arizona, mosquitoes are a natural inhabitant of the climate and until recent years have posed no real health threat.

In recent years, the common Arizonan mosquito has become increasingly infected with the West Nile virus. The first cases in Arizona appeared in the that 90s and have increased steadily with time. By 2007, the virus had spread through nearly all of North America.

Everybody is at risk to contract the WNV, but if proper measures are taken the risk can be lowered substantially. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends mosquito repellent with DEET whenever hiking outdoors or working in the yard.

Listen to Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano's message on West Nile Virus.

The incubation period of West Nile virus incubation period is indefinite and probably ranges from 3 to 17 days. The symptoms are nausea, vomiting, eye pain, headache, anorexia, rash and generally last 3 to 6 days.

Standing water is not hard to find in Tucson, Ariz.
Picture by Devin Walker

West Nile Virus Prevention Tips

Since 1999, there have been more than 500 deaths in the United States due to WNV. You can help prevent the disease by ensuring no standing water is around your house and neighborhood. A few common mosquito breeding grounds are bird baths, empty pots and buckets, as well as unmaintained pools and spas.