New groups of mosquitos bear West Nile virus

Maricopa County officials said two more groups of mosquitoes in the East Valley have tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples, found in Mesa and Chandler, bring to four the number of mosquito samples infected with the virus. A horse in north Phoenix also tested positive for the virus this week but is recovering.

One mosquito sample was found in a drain at a park near Alma School and Baseline roads in Mesa. The other was found in a retention basin drain near Elliot and Dobson roads in Chandler, reports azcentral.com According to cjonline.com the virus was discovered in the United States five years ago, with the first case in Kansas appearing three years ago. Gail Hansen, acting state epidemiologist, said no West Nile cases have been confirmed so far this year in Kansas, but Kansas State University researchers began testing birds and mosquitoes for the virus this month. People should remove standing water and use larvicide when the water can't be removed, Hansen said. Water in bird baths, pet bowls and wading pools should be refreshed, as well. People should wear insect repellent with DEET and protective clothing when practical and limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, Hansen said.