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NEWS RELEASE: Maricopa County Reports its First West Nile Death of Season

Residents urged to stay vigilant and ‘Fight the Bite’








Maricopa County Public Health Logo [ https://www.maricopa.gov/PublicHealth ]







*"for Immediate Release"
**July 21, 2025
Courtney Kreuzwiesner | 602-540-5473
**C.Kreuzwiesner@maricopa.gov
Virtual interviews with Dr. Nick Staab, Chief Medical Officer, will be available on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 1:00-2:30pm.
*



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Maricopa County Reports its First West Nile Death of Season

"*Residents urged to stay vigilant and ‘Fight the Bite’*"






PHOENIX (July 21, 2025)—Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first West Nile virus-related death of the season. The individual was an older adult with underlying health conditions. 

"This tragic loss is a reminder that West Nile virus can be serious, especially for older adults and those with existing health conditions," said Dr. Nick Staab, Chief Medical Officer for MCDPH.  “Monsoon season brings much-needed rain, but it also creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed. That’s why it’s so important for residents to stay vigilant—use insect repellent, drain standing water, and limit outdoor time during peak mosquito activity.”

A total of 17 human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Maricopa County so far this year.  In Arizona, mosquito-borne viruses are most likely to be spread from May through October during the peak of mosquito activity.

West Nile virus is typically spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected don’t show symptoms, but about 1 in 5 may develop a flu-like illness with fever, headache, and body aches.  In rare cases—about 1 in 150—the virus can cause severe complications like encephalitis or meningitis, which may lead to paralysis, long-term disability, or death. Older adults, people with underlying health conditions, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. 

MCDPH works closely with healthcare providers, Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD), and state and federal partners to maintain strong surveillance for both humans and mosquitoes and to implement prevention strategies. MCESD conducts a proactive and aggressive year-round mosquito surveillance and abatement program.

Public health officials urge all residents and visitors to “Fight the Bite [ https://www.maricopa.gov/5811/Fight-the-Bite ]” and follow simple precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:


* Avoid mosquito bites day and night
* Use insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or other EPA-registered repellants according to the product label on exposed skin and clothing
* Drain and remove containers that hold water from around your home where mosquitoes can breed, such as plastic covers, buckets, old tires, plant trays, pet bowls, toys, and boats
* Scrape the sides of the dish or inside potted plants where mosquitoes lay their eggs
* Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, no holes, and remain closed
* If it’s not too hot, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs
* Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses in Maricopa County, go to maricopa.gov/FightTheBite [ http://www.maricopa.gov/FightTheBite ] or maricopa.gov/NoSeDejePicar [ http://www.maricopa.gov/NoSeDejePicar ].






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