Arizona Department of Health Services

The first death in Maricopa County due to West Nile virus has been recorded this year.

Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health said 27 cases have already been reported this year. Only 24 cases were reported last year.

"Right now we are seeing twice as many mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus as we have seen in a long time," Sunenshine said. "So with all the mosquito activity right now and monsoon season coming up, yeah we’re a expecting pretty heavy season."

Sunenshine said most people who are infected will not have serious symptoms, but it could be life threatening to one in 150 victims. She said the elderly and people with underlying health issues are most at risk.

For more on the potential risks, The Show spoke further with Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine.