Mosquitoes can be annoying, itchy, and lead to disease. According to Pima County's vector control laboratory, it's peak season for these insects. David Ludwig of Pima County Health Department says after monsoon, complaints increase dramatically.
Pima County started trapping mosquitoes early in the year due to Southern Arizona's higher-than-average temperatures. So far, in 2017, only one human case of West Nile virus was found through a blood sample. The West Nile virus has fluctuated dramatically over the years. Therefore, the department says it is difficult to predict what the severity of the disease will be for the rest of the year.
Another concern to many is Zika virus. While, luckily there have been no reported cases of Zika virus in Pima County, mosquitoes in Tucson can still transmit the disease, so it's important to be prepared.
Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes can transmit Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue. There are no locally acquired cases in Pima County, but travelers coming in from other countries can bring the virus in with them.
Lugwig suggests wearing long sleeves and applying a DEET-based repellent over your sunscreen. Additionally, Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes are out in the daytime and at night, so it's important to wear repellent any time you are outdoors.
___________________________________________________
Have a 'Totally Tucson' idea you want to share? Email stephanie.dunlap@kgun9.com
