YUMA, Ariz. (AP) - The first case of West Nile virus in Yuma County during 2014 was found nearly a week ago.
The Yuma Sun reports (https://bit.ly/1jIvFAS) that the sample of mosquitoes testing positive for the virus was collected May 19 at the south end of Mittry Lake.
Chris Sumner, entomologist with the Yuma County Pest Abatement District, says the discovery of the infected mosquitoes occurred much earlier than last year, when the first case was found in July.
The West Nile virus has been in Yuma since 2003.
West Nile virus spreads to birds, animals and people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds.
Symptoms from the potentially fatal virus include fever, headaches, swollen lymph glands and body aches.
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Information from: The Sun, https://www.yumasun.com
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