Mosquitoes can carry a vast array of diseases, the most prevalent in America being West Nile Virus. This potentially serious illness has been documented more times this year in Arizona than any other state. Here’s what you need to know:

West Nile Virus is the #1 cause of mosquito-borne illness in the U.S. and 2019 is proving to be an extremely active year for the disease, especially in Arizona’s Maricopa County.

Flickr/dfataustralianaid

So far, 126 cases of the virus have been reported in Arizona alone, which is over 60% of the national total. Of these, seven of the affected individuals died from related complications.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

A rainier than normal winter is partially to blame for the outbreak. Record amounts of precipitation fell across the Southwest, which created perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed.

Flickr/jobeca

Even more mosquitos are expected to test positive for West Nile Virus while monsoon season is still active in the region. This could potentially lead to additional cases unless extreme precautions are taken.

Flickr/michaelpwilson

When outdoors, try to avoid stepping in pools of standing water. The virus is more prevalent in moist areas that allow large groups of mosquitos to congregate.

Flickr/paulos_

Around 80% of infected people experience no symptoms. Fever, headache, vomiting, and/or a rash manifest about 19% of the time.

Flickr/psyberartist

Less than 1% of people, particularly the elderly and immunosuppressed, go on to develop severe complications like encephalitis or meningitis, with associated neck stiffness, confusion, or seizures.

Flickr/thedjneight Of this rare group, death occurs in about 10%.

Did you know about the uptick in West Nile Virus cases? Let us know your thoughts. Read our previous article to learn about another potentially deadly mosquito-borne illness: Mosquitoes Carrying The EEE Virus Have Been Spotted In Massachusetts.

Flickr/dfataustralianaid

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Flickr/jobeca

Flickr/michaelpwilson

Flickr/paulos_

Flickr/psyberartist

Flickr/thedjneight

Of this rare group, death occurs in about 10%.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.