Second Area Of Coconino County Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

Coconino County Health officials say a second location has tested positive for the West Nile virus. A mosquito sample was taken from the Cheshire area in northwest Flagstaff recently and it tested positive for the virus. The first positive test came last week off Lake Mary Road south of Flagstaff. There have been no human cases of the virus reported in the county since 2010, when two human cases were identified. Health officials have applied a non-toxic larvicide treatment to reduce mosquito populations in water pools in affected areas and in other locations in the county. Health and Human Service officials will continue trapping and testing mosquitos in areas where there is activity until colder weather returns. Mosquitos that carry the virus are most active at dusk and dawn. Some preventions include wearing shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors or stay inside. Use screens on windows and doors, use air conditioners if available and make sure you get rid of areas of standing water, or treat them to help protect against mosquitos. For more information, contact the health department at (928) 679-8750.