PHOENIX (AP) - Maricopa County authorities have confirmed the first West Nile virus positive mosquito sample of the season.
Officials with the county Environmental Services Department say the positive sample was found in an area east of Phoenix, but an exact location wasn’t immediately released Monday.
The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Authorities say about 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will feel flu-like symptoms within 3 to 15 days after the mosquito bite.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands and skin rash.
A small percentage of those infected with West Nile virus experience could die or suffer severe symptoms such as meningitis, encephalitis or paralysis.
Persons over age 50 generally are at a higher risk for severe symptoms.
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