Lawn Flooding and West Nile Virus

PHOENIX, Ariz.?EUR??,,????'??+Many homes in this arid city use lawn flooding, an inefficient watering method that may be boosting the number of West Nile virus mosquitoes. Lawn flooding is an antiquated method but remains common in Phoenix?EUR??,,????'???s older neighborhoods, the Associated Press reports. Any standing water can produce adult mosquitoes in a matter of days. West Nile virus has taken a disproportionate toll on Arizona?EUR??,,????'??+of more than 500 human cases reported nationwide this year, at least 290 originate in the state. Experts attribute the high rate to unattended swimming pools and a high number of Culex tarsalis-species insects?EUR??,,????'??+a mosquito with a high infection rate. Officials are also urging residents to abandon lawn flooding and eliminate any standing water in which mosquitoes can breed.