Health officials urge people to use bug spray and mosquito-control measures as the West Nile virus season starts earlier and worse than in over two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed at least 48 cases — 38 of them severe — by June 30. Typically, around 10 cases are reported to the CDC by the end of June since 2004. Reports have come from 23 states, the most in the past 10 years.
Dr. Erin Staples, a CDC expert on insect-borne diseases, emphasized the importance of these findings. She stated, “These findings serve as an important reminder that mosquito season is well underway.” As families gather for Independence Day celebrations, she encourages protective measures against mosquito bites.
Arizona bears the brunt with 32 of the reported cases; 29 are in Maricopa County. This county, which includes Phoenix, accounts for four deaths related to the virus this year. Officials in Arizona recommend using DEET-containing bug spray, fixing broken window screens, and eliminating standing water sources where mosquitoes breed. Melissa Kretschmer, a county health department official, stated, “Even an overturned bottle cap can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed. It’s important that we remove these breeding sources that can form after rain or watering plants.”
The CDC advises wearing long, loose-fitting clothing outdoors to reduce mosquito bites. Experts suggest avoiding outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
West Nile virus first appeared in the U.S. in 1999 in New York and gradually spread nationwide. It peaked in 2003 with nearly 10,000 cases reported. While many infected individuals may experience no symptoms or only mild ones like headaches and rashes, severe cases can lead to inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. Such complications pose a risk to adults over 60 and those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
Over the past decade, health authorities have reported about 2,000 cases annually on average, including 1,200 neurological illnesses and around 100 deaths caused by the virus.
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