County Confirms First West Nile-Related Death in 7 Years

Riverside County health officials Thursday reported the first West Nile virus-related death in the area in seven years.

According to the Department of Public Health, the 77-year-old victim, whose identity was not released, lived in a community on the western end of the county and fell ill last month, dying after a brief hospitalization.

The man, who suffered from an unspecified long-term health disorder, later tested positive for WNV.

“Our sympathies are with the family during this difficult time,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, the county’s public health officer. “The tragedy provides us with a sad reminder how serious this illness can be and the importance of taking preventative actions.”

According to health officials, the last virus-related death in Riverside County was documented in 2008.

Officials in neighboring San Bernardino County confirmed a WNV-related death in mid-August.

According to the California Department of Public Health, one person from Nevada County also died from virus-related complications in July. So far this year, there have been more than 100 West Nile infections statewide.

In Riverside County, a total of 16 human cases, including the most recent one, have been confirmed this year.

In 2014, 14 human WNV cases were recorded countywide. The county maintains an online map showing West Nile hotspots: http://www.rivcoph.org/Home/WestNileMap.aspx.

There were 801 cases throughout California last year -- the second- highest figure on record -- resulting in 31 deaths, according to state officials.

Mosquitoes typically become carriers of the virus after feeding on an infected bird and can then spread the potentially lethal strain to animals and humans.

Those at greatest risk include seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms may never materialize, but can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.

Mosquito season in Southern California generally spans the months of May to October. To reduce exposure to West Nile virus, residents are urged to:

• spend as little time as possible outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are generally on the move;
• wear pants and long-sleeved shirts during outdoor activity;
• use insect repellent;
• ensure door and window screens are fitted properly to keep bugs out; and
• get rid of standing water, aside from pools properly treated with chemicals.

Anyone with concerns about WNV, mosquitoes, neglected pools or standing water can contact the Riverside County Vector Control office at (951) 766-9454. More information is also available at http://www.rivcoeh.org/Programs/vector.

• --City News Service, photo via Shutterstock