First Fatal Case Of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA — The first person in Los Angeles County to die from the West Nile Virus this year has been confirmed in the San Fernando Valley.

With Los Angeles County coming off its deadliest year for West Nile Virus, health officials are warning residents to take the threat seriously and take precautions against the mosquito-borne disease.

The person who died was a San Fernando Valley resident who was hospitalized in early September and died from "West Nile virus-associated neuro-invasive disease," according to the county Department of Public Health.

Already, there have been 38 human cases of West Nile virus confirmed county-wide this year in addition to cases in Long Beach and Pasadena, which monitor the outbreak through their own health departments. In 2017, the county health department recorded 268 human cases of the virus in the county, and a record 27 deaths.

"This should remind us all that West Nile virus is a serious disease," said county health officer Dr. Muntu Davis. "Everyone should take precautions by using Environmental Protection Agency-registered mosquito repellent when outside and checking weekly for items that collect standing water in their homes or yards where mosquitoes can breed.

"Items that hold water, even as small as a bottle cap, should be cleaned, covered or cleared out to stop mosquito breeding," Davis said.

The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Health officials said people over age 50 and people with chronic medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes have a higher risk of developing severe neuro-invasive disease from a West Nile infection that can lead to brain infections, paralysis or even death.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report. Photo: Shutterstock