It has been said that the number of West Nile Virus cases in Arizona has reached a number that’s higher than last year’s number, and it could increase through the fall.
The Arizona Department of Health has stated that there are now 27 West Nile cases, from which 16 are confirmed, and 11 are probable. They are all in Maricopa County, where Pheonix is placed. Last year, there were 24 cases. The mosquitoes that carry the virus are expected to be here in November, as well.
It is quite early in the season, and with this many cases, we are probably going to see even more cases than last year, probably more than we have seen in the previous five years.
Who are the people prone to complications?
About 20% of the people that were bitten by mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus develop symptoms such as those found in flu. Some fewer cases result in paralysis or even death. As of now, there is no cure. Those people who are 60 years old, or older and those who have a compromised immune system are prone to complications, such as meningitis and encephalitis.
Chris Silva’s wife Karen has been in hospital since the 4th of June. They came to the hospital after the experienced flu-like symptoms. Then meningitis, and later the diagnosis of West Nile Virus. Karen now has encephalitis, which is the swelling of the brain, and very little activity. It all started with flu-like symptoms. And now, they go through their worst nightmare.
Mosquitoes can do a lot of damage, even if people don’t take them seriously.