Mosquitoes determined to be West Nile Virus (WNV) positive were trapped in Clarkdale (Tavasci Marsh) and Sedona (Sedona Wetlands Preserve) on July 28. These areas are monitored regularly during the summer months by Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) Environmental Health professionals.
Officials from Clarkdale, Cottonwood and Sedona have been notified as well as representatives from the National Park Service that mosquitoes at the above locations have tested positive for WNV.
Tavasci Marsh- The marsh is located in Clarkdale at the Tuzigoot National Monument on National Park property. It is accessed on hiking trails through Tuzigoot National Monument or through Dead Horse State Park in Cottonwood.
Sedona Wetlands Preserve- The preserve is a series of ponds that utilize treated wastewater. They’re located next to the City of Sedona sewer plant and they’re maintained by the City of Sedona. The area is set up for public bird watching and has open walking trails.
West Nile Virus can spread to humans and animals through bites from mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. The incubation period for people infected with WNV is 3 to 14 days with symptoms lasting 3 to 6 days. Most people infected with West Nile Virus will feel no symptoms. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 20 percent will feel mild, flu-like symptoms that may include:
· Fever
· Headache
· Body aches
· Swollen glands
· Muscle weakness
A small percentage of people infected with West Nile virus (WNV) will experience severe symptoms. Every year people in Arizona die from WNV. Usually, but not always, it hits the very young, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems the hardest. It is important to remember that there are measures each person can take to prevent infection:
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around your home or business by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, and other containers.
When standing water can’t be drained or dumped, use safe mosquito larvicides such as “mosquito dunks”, which are commonly available at feed stores and garden centers.
Repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
Avoid outdoor exposure between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, but keep in mind some mosquito species are daytime biters.
When outdoors, wear long sleeves and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
When outdoors, wear a mosquito repellant containing DEET (follow label instructions, especially for use on children). All strengths of DEET will repel mosquitoes, but higher concentrations will last longer.