The year 2002 marked the largest outbreak to date in the world as the virus rapidly spread across the U.S. Maricopa County has been spared the burden of widespread WNV-illness thus far, however the area is home to a viable mosquito population, many species of migratory birds and a large human populace with a propensity for outdoor activities making arrival of the virus inevitable and advanced preparations invaluable.

The Maricopa County Regional Trail System is a collection of trail corridors under the jurisdiction and control of many different agencies. Maricopa County has identified the Sun Circle and Maricopa Trails as its highest priorities for completion. At any time, should the opportunity arise, lower priority segments may be developed. The County’s priority designation may or may not coincide with the priorities of any agency whose trails have been identified as components of the regional system.

A descriptive report of invasive Haemophilus influenzae cases as reported to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. The purpose of this report is twofold: first to define the illness and its trends in Maricopa County during this time period and second to identify potential areas of improvement in data quality.

This study provides useful information for the Office of Epidemiology on reporting, investigating, and data completeness. Reporting of cases occurred ≥ 3 days in about 50% of the cases, despite a 24 hour reporting mandate for cases or suspect cases. Data can be analyzed on a yearly basis using this study as a model. Future analyses can reassess the epidemiologic trends noted in this study and assess the effect of routine meningococcal vaccination in Maricopa County.