09/01/2026
While we love the rain we've been receiving, it also means an increase in mosquito activity. With increased mosquito population comes increased risk for West Nile Virus spread. In 2025, Arizona Department of Health reported a total of 66 West Nile Virus cases statewide. In 2026 so far, there's 82 reported cases. To keep yourself, your family, and your pets/livestock safe, here's a quick refresher on West Nile Virus prevention.
š¦ What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is an illness most often spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases are more common during the summer and fall.You cannot catch West Nile virus through everyday contact, such as touching or kissing someone who is infected.
š¤ What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may appear 3ā14 days after a mosquito bite.
ā¢ About 8 out of 10 people have no symptoms.
ā¢ About 1 out of 5 develops mild symptoms, including fever, headache, body or joint aches, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Tiredness or weakness may continue for several weeks or months.
ā¢ About 1 out of 150 develops a serious illness affecting the brain or nervous system.
Severe symptoms may include:
ā¢ High fever or severe headache
ā¢ Confusion
ā¢ Stiff neck
ā¢ Tremors or seizures
ā¢ Muscle weakness or numbness
ā¢ Vision loss or paralysis
Adults age 60 and older and people with certain medical conditions have a greater risk of serious illness.
There is no specific medicine for West Nile virus. Most people with mild symptoms recover on their own. Severe cases may require hospital care.
š¦ How can you protect yourself?
The best protection is to prevent mosquito bites.
ā¢ Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and follow the label directions.
ā¢ Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible.
ā¢ Be especially careful from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are often most active.
ā¢ Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
ā¢ Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children younger than 3.
ā¢ Apply repellent to your hands before putting it on a childās face. Avoid the childās hands, eyes, mouth, cuts and irritated skin.
š Reduce mosquitoes around your home
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near standing water.
ā¢ Empty, cover or remove items that collect water, including buckets, tires, toys, flowerpots, and trash cans.
ā¢ Replace the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least once a week.
ā¢ Keep water-storage containers tightly covered.
ā¢ Make sure windows and doors have secure screens.
ā¢ Keep doors closed rather than propped open.
š“ Protect pets and livestock
West Nile virus can also affect animalsāespecially horses, donkeys, mules and some birds.
Talk with your veterinarian about West Nile vaccination for horses and when boosters may be needed.
Regularly empty and clean water buckets, troughs and other containers when possible.
Remove standing water from tires, equipment, tarps and other areas around barns, pens and pastures.
Keep water-storage containers covered or screened.
Use fans in barns or stalls when practical, since mosquitoes are weak flyers.
Use only animal-safe mosquito-control products and follow the label directions. Ask your veterinarian before applying repellents or insecticides to an animal.
Reduce animalsā outdoor exposure during peak mosquito hours when possible.
Contact a veterinarian if an animalāespecially a horseādevelops unusual weakness, stumbling, loss of coordination, muscle twitching, difficulty standing, behavior changes or other signs of illness.
šØāāļø When should you seek medical care?
Get medical help immediately if you develop a severe headache, confusion, a stiff neck, seizures or serious muscle weakness. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your healthcare provider if you develop possible West Nile virus symptoms.
