By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Maricopa County health department announced Tuesday that an Arizonan has died from West Nile virus, marking its first death of the season.
Read more Medevac helicopter pilot guides small plane to emergency landing in Sun Lakes
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) confirmed an older adult with underlying health conditions died due to the virus. No additional details about the person were shared.
“This case is a tragic reminder that West Nile virus can cause severe illness and even death,” said Melissa Kretschmer, epidemiology supervisor for the Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases program at MCDPH.
So far in 2026, Maricopa County has confirmed 17 human cases of West Nile virus; that’s compared to just four cases during the same period in 2025.
West Nile virus is usually spread through a bite from an infected mosquito. Many infected people remain asymptomatic, but some may develop a flu-like illness that includes a headache, fever and body aches.
In rare cases, the virus could lead to serious issues like encephalitis or meningitis, which may cause long-term disability or death.
Older adults, people with underlying health conditions, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
Monsoon brings increased mosquito activity
First Alert Meteorologist Holly Bock said the monsoon comes with more mosquitoes because of more moisture in the air.
“The higher the dew point, the easier it is for these mosquitoes to survive,” Bock said.
Read more Arizona man charged in baby’s death after pregnant girlfriend killed in San Diego
More puddles of water from rainfall also create breeding grounds.
“A lot of that ponding, puddles, that can create those breeding grounds that are kind of the perfect recipe for mosquitoes,” she explained.
Kretschmer recommends four steps to protect yourself, called the four R’s: wear repellent, remove any standing water, repair your screens and remind your neighbors about the importance of mosquito prevention.
“Even an overturned bottle cap can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed,” Kretschmer said. “It’s important that we remove these breeding sources that can form after rain or watering plants.”
MCDPH said it works with the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department year-round to monitor and control mosquitoes.
More information about mosquitoes in Maricopa County can be found at maricopa.gov/FightTheBite.
Click here for a map of mosquito activity in the Valley.
See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.
Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.
Read more Suspect in fatal shooting inside Delaware hospital taken into custody