Another Graham County resident has been diagnosed with the neuroinvasive form of West Nile virus and is being treated.

The Graham County Health Department will not release the name of the victim or the treatment facility, but it has confirmed the person does, in fact, have West Nile virus. Graham County bioterrorism coordinator Dolores Hererra has not been able to speak directly with the victim and does not have any more information.

Sources in Tucson, however, believe the victim was treated at the University Medical Center in Tucson. According to Hererra, the virus was contracted in the early part of last month, and, despite the county's efforts to dispel the mosquitoes, anyone is at risk to contract the virus.

"There are tons of mosquitoes, so we can't specify which places to avoid," Hererra said. "Wherever people go, they need to be taking precautions."

This is the second human case to originate in Graham County. One bird case has also been found, but no horses have been reported to date.

Cooler evenings mean less mosquitoes because they begin to hibernate when the temperatures start dropping off, Hererra said. She warned, however, that the monsoon storms bring the bugs with them, so people should be very aware during those times.

Graham County purchased a fogging machine which is being used at all of the ball fields and other areas of the county fairgrounds to lessen the mosquito populations.

Though approximately 80 percent of people who contract West Nile virus experience no symptoms, everyone should be aware of the signs of the virus and know when to see a doctor.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the mild symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands and a skin rash, all which usually last a few days. At this point, the disease can be detected in the blood, so those who think they could possibly have the virus should go see their doctors, Hererra told members of the Desert Skygazers Astronomy Club last month.

Serious symptoms occur in about one in 150 of those bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms include the mild symptoms in addition to disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, paralysis and numbness. The severe form of the virus can last several weeks and cause permanent damage.

Because there is currently no treatment or cure for West Nile, the CDC recommends precautionary measures to avoid contraction. Wearing long-sleeved T-shirts, pants and socks sprayed with Deet repellent can help prevent bites.

Deet should also be sprayed on the skin when outside from dusk to dawn. Use Deet carefully. It is safe for adults, but avoid putting it on children's hands because it may get in their eyes or mouths.

For more information regarding West Nile virus and how to prevent it call the Graham County Health De-partment at 428-0110.

Contact Lindsey Stockton at 428-2560 (ext. 240) or e-mail her at lindsey@eacourier.com.