Skeeters come with monsoon

According to Yavapai County Community Health Services, West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that feed on the blood of birds infected with the virus. After mosquitoes have been infected with WNV, they may then infect humans, birds, horses and other animals by biting them in search of a blood meal.

Don’t let its size fool you.

Despite being a fraction of an inch in size, the mosquito is one of the deadliest creatures on the planet by virtue of the numerous diseases it carries and spreads to humans. In many parts of the world, mosquitoes spread malaria and Dengue fever, while here in the United States, West Nile virus is their most dangerous disease.

As of July 12, the Arizona Department of Health Services had no confirmed cases of WNV in Yavapai or Coconino counties. However, there was one suspected case in Yavapai County that had yet to be confirmed. The only four confirmed cases of WNV in the state have occurred in Maricopa County.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, June 19, edition of The Camp Verde Journal.

Ron Eland

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