Visit our West Nile Virus 24-hour hotline  800-314-9243 602-364-4500 Phoenix Metro

Click here to hear West Nile virus prevention messages by Governor Janet Napolitano

Click here to view Arizona's West Nile Virus Activity

New! American Mosquito Control Association "I'm One" Program

Symptoms and Treatment

The majority of people (approximately 80%) who become infected with the virus will either have no symptoms at all or very mild illness. About 20% percent will develop flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, body aches, swollen glands and muscle weakness.  For many West Nile virus infected patients these symptoms can persist for weeks. Some people, especially the elderly, may experience more severe symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.

If you have mild health symptoms that you think might be from the West Nile Virus, you should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and avoid alcohol. If your symptoms persist and seem like they are getting more severe, call your doctor. If you have a high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, muscle weakness or convulsions you should seek immediate medical attention.

See our Questions and Answers page for more information

Prevention

Mosquitoes in Arizona can be infected with the West Nile virus. The virus was first found in Arizona in 2003, and it will be a threat to Arizonans every year. If an infected mosquito bites you, you could get sick.  That means that we all need to work together to prevent mosquitoes from breeding [PDF 945K] or (poster in Spanish [PDF 1.0M]).

• Eliminate standing water, which allows mosquitoes to breed. Check for conditions outside the home that may provide potential for mosquito breeding, such as poorly maintained swimming pools, cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other containers with water.
• Change water in flower vases, birdbaths, planters and animal watering pans at least twice a week.
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and move air conditioner drain hoses
• Report mosquito breeding problems (e.g. green pools) to your local environmental health office.

You can also protect yourself and your family by regularly using mosquito repellent when you or your family are outside during the night.  It is best to use effective and long lasting repellents such as those containing the ingredients DEET or picaridin.  Be sure to follow instructions on the label. Wearing long sleeved clothing when outdoors at night will also help prevent mosquito bites. 

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