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First West Nile virus death this season in Maricopa

First West Nile virus death this season in Maricopa
Posted at 3:25 PM, Jul 22, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-22 18:27:33-04

Officials in Maricopa County say they've recorded the first West Nile virus death.

The person who died was older and also suffered from other health issues. But the Maricopa County Department of Public Health says older adults are at most risk of complications from the virus, which spreads through mosquito bites.

The department says it's had another 18 cases of West Nile virus, although they were not fatal.

Officials say to avoid mosquito bites by covering up when outdoors and making sure there isn't standing water where mosquitoes like to breed.