Yuma County Public Health Services District (YCPHSD) has confirmed two laboratory-verified mosquito-borne illness cases. Both cases involve Yuma County residents, including one who tested positive for dengue fever and a second who tested positive for West Nile virus.

YCPHSD Vector Control staff continue to conduct mosquito surveillance, including trapping and treating areas when appropriate. YCPHSD reminds residents that the public is the first line of defense against mosquito-borne illnesses. Everyone is encouraged to regularly inspect their homes and yards for standing water where mosquitoes can breed, such as in flowerpots, gutters, debris and birdbaths. Community members can further help protect their neighborhoods by promptly reporting any potential mosquito breeding sites or related concerns to the Health Department.

Dengue Fever Key Facts:

• Spread by the bite of an infected mosquito; not spread person to person.
• Symptoms include fever, eye socket pain, rash, headache, body aches, nausea or vomiting.
• Most people recover within one to two weeks.
• Severe dengue is rare and is more likely to occur in older adults, infants, people with prior dengue infection, or individuals with underlying health conditions.

West Nile Virus Key Facts:

• Spread by the bite of an infected mosquito; not spread person to person.
• Most people have no symptoms, but some may experience flulike symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, or rash.
• Symptoms can last a few days to a few weeks.
• Severe illness can occur in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

Protect Yourself:

• Wear long sleeves and pants.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
• Eliminate standing water around your home.
• Keep window and door screens in good repair.
• Encourage neighbors to remove breeding sites to reduce mosquito populations.
• Report problem areas.

For more information contact the Yuma County Public Health Services District Vector Control at 928-317-4584.

You can also visit the Arizona Department of Health Services Mosquito-Borne Disease website by visiting this link: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/mosquito-borne/index.php#protection.

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