Maricopa Co. Sees First West Nile Case

PHOENIX - A woman in her 40s is the state's first West Nile virus case in 2009. She's been treated at a hospital and is recovering.

West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. About 20 percent of people infected will start to feel flu-like symptoms three to 15 days after the bite.

Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and skin rash. A small percentage of victims may even die from the virus. If you experience any symptoms, see a doctor.

Public health officials recommend that people apply insect repellant containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535, wear long clothing, and avoid being outdoors after dusk and before dawn.

This is the first laboratory confirmation of West Nile in a human in Maricopa County and across the state. It's the third case of the year in the United States.