Just as the flu season is winding down, mosquito season and the West Nile virus are ramping up. And in case evenings on your patio haven’t convinced you, state and county health officials confirm that the pesky bloodsuckers are breeding faster than rabbits.

The West Nile virus has made its first appearance of the year in Scottsdale.

The West Nile virus has made its first appearance of the year in Scottsdale.

The West Nile virus has made its first reported appearance this year in Arizona, signaling an early start to the season and the threat that human infections could outpace last year’s record numbers.

The West Nile virus has made its first reported appearance this year in Arizona, signaling an early start to the season and the threat that human infections could outpace last year’s record numbers.

In last-minute preparations to brace for the deadly West Nile virus reaching Arizona this summer, health officials from across the state gathered Thursday in the East Valley to learn how to draw blood from chickens.

The West Nile virus has reached Arizona, state health officials announced Monday.

The West Nile virus has hit Maricopa County, health officials announced Wednesday.

Mosquitoes are expected to bring a new, deadly disease to Arizona this summer, according to local disease control experts.

The Maricopa County confirmed its first positive mosquito sample for West Nile Virus was found last month in the East Valley.

Fewer than 30 West Nile virus cases have been reported in Arizona as of last week, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Pinal County officials say mosquito fogging is scheduled for the city of Maricopa next week.

 FLAGSTAFF -- Authorities say the first human case of West Nile virus in Coconino County this year has been diagnosed in a 40-year-old woman from the Flagstaff area.

PRESCOTT  — Yavapai County health officials say test results from mosquitoes trapped on Aug. 4 confirm the presence of West Nile virus in the Cornville area.

The Pinal County Division of Environmental Health has found two more mosquito samples that tested positive for West Nile virus.

A Phoenix man in his 90s has become the season’s first fatality from the West Nile virus.

The West Nile virus season began Thursday with four confirmed human cases of the mosquito-borne disease in Maricopa County, including at least one in the East Valley.

The West Nile virus season began Thursday with four confirmed human cases of the mosquito-borne disease in Maricopa County, including at least one in the East Valley.

Vince Bock is fighting for his life against the West Nile virus. The retired carpenter drifts in and out of consciousness on the third floor of Mesa’s Banner Desert Medical Center, attached to tubes and monitors that can only keep him comfortable.

Vince Bock is fighting for his life against the West Nile virus. The retired carpenter drifts in and out of consciousness on the third floor of Mesa’s Banner Desert Medical Center, attached to tubes and monitors that can only keep him comfortable.

It’s been almost 10 months since John Braaten was diagnosed with West Nile virus, but he still cries in pain from his symptoms. Braaten, 35, of Apache Junction developed meningitis from the virus, swelling of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.