Here we are again in the trenches of the hot summer months. There are plenty of annoyances that come with the summer heat, and mosquitoes are no exception.

Until the thermometer dips below 60 degrees, a small but potentially dangerous nuisance remains on the loose. Those pesky little flying insects may harbor a biological weapon that might not be as destructive or potent as saran gas or anthrax, but can still cause serious medical problems.

The mosquito has historically been a carrier for many diseases over the centuries, including malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever. Now, with the outbreak of West Nile virus, the mosquito carries another risk.

The virus is spread by being bit by an infected mosquito. The virus can affect humans, chickens and horses - making the Queen Creek area a potential breeding ground for these biological terrorists.

Several mosquitos trapped near Queen Creek and in Pinal County have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The vast majority of people who get bitten by mosquitoes do not contract West Nile virus. Even though we hear about the virus on the news almost every night, the likelihood of contracting West Nile virus is very slim. Even if the mosquito actually carried the virus, you still may not display any symptoms of the disease.

Twenty percent of those infected will get a fever and nothing else. About one in 150 will get a more serious illness consisting of fever, headaches, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and extreme fatigue. Sometimes a rash will develop on the chest, stomach and back.

Those most susceptible to West Nile virus are the elderly and those with compromised immune systems from conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, AIDS or cancer. Adults over age fifty are more susceptible. Children generally do not display symptoms of the disease.

If mosquitoes that carry West Nile have bitten you, the incubation period is between two and 14 days. This means that symptoms will not manifest themselves until two to 14 days after you've been bitten.

There is no known cure for the virus and there is currently no vaccine for humans. If you think you might have West Nile virus, contact your doctor or call (602) 747-7111 for more information and to find out what course of action to take.

The diagnosis is made with a blood test called WNV IgM-antibody. Sometimes it takes up to a week to get the results back.

Many of the symptoms can be treated to help you feel more comfortable. More than likely, you will see full recovery.

Mosquitoes are more likely to be infected by West Nile in late summer. Mosquitoes proliferate in stagnant water.

To prevent the spread of mosquitoes, frequently empty anything where water collects, including flowerpots, rain gutters, pet bowls, barrels, children's wading pools and cans of water. The Town of Queen Creek is asking that we check all of our property every two days to make sure there are not places where standing water exists.

If you would like to have free mosquito-eating fish for your tanks and ponds, contact the town.



You can learn more at www.maricopa.gov/wnv/ or www.queencreek.org.