On August 24, 2021, Pinal County Public Health Services District confirmed the first West Nile Virus case of the 2021 mosquito season in a Pinal County resident.
The mosquito season starts in the summer and continues through fall every year.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-transmitted disease, the most common in the continental United States.
Most people exposed to the virus don’t get sick, but about 20 percent develop minor symptoms like headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. In a very small proportion, less than one percent, the virus affects the nervous system, leading to a more serious illness.
People over 60 years old and/or with certain comorbidities, like diabetes, hypertension and cancer, between others, are at greater risk to develop severe illness. WNV is not diagnosed only by symptoms and requires confirmatory lab tests by your healthcare provider.