West Nile virus cannot be spread person to person or through other animals or birds. It is transmitted through a bite from an infected mosquito. While only 20% of infected individuals will show signs and symptoms, it can be fatal in those that are elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Individuals who develop symptoms can experience fever, headaches, and body aches. Rarely, some may experience more serious symptoms such as inflammation of the spinal cord (meningitis) or brain (encephalitis). Approximately 1% of cases result in severe neurologic disease.

Luckily, there are simple steps everyone can take to reduce their chances of getting West Nile virus.
The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus is preventing mosquito bites by:
Keeping mosquitoes out of your home by using air conditioning or ensuring doors and windows have intact screens
Using an EPA- registered insect repellent
Wearing long sleeves and pants
It is also important to keep mosquitoes away from your home by getting rid of areas that can fill up with standing water. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water, like the amount needed to fill the cap of a water bottle, to lay their eggs. Look around your home to see if there are flowerpots, pool equipment, toys, or other areas where water can pool and become a breeding ground. Either toss the item or empty and scrub it once a week to remove any mosquito larvae. For standing water in areas that can&rsquo;t be removed, there are larvicides, like Mosquito Dunks, that can usually be found at your local hardware store.
By following these simple steps, BCBSAZ members can &ldquo;Fight the bite day and night&rdquo;!
You can find out more about West Nile virus and how to protect yourself and your family from our partners at the <a href="https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/mosquito-borne/west-nile-virus/index.php">Arizona Department of Health Services</a> and <a href="https://www.maricopa.gov/1746/West-Nile-Virus">Maricopa County Department of Public Health</a>. 
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Tips to keep safe from the West Nile Virus

Every June is the start of our monsoon season. While the rains bring relief from our very hot summers, it can also bring mosquitoes. The rain can leave small pools of standing water around our homes and communities that allow mosquitoes to breed. Because of our wet monsoon seasons over the past two years, Arizona has seen high numbers of West Nile virus disease, especially in Maricopa County.