West Nile Virus Sickens Man In LA's First Case of 2017

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County health officials Thursday confirmed the county's first human case of West Nile virus for the 2017 season.

The patient was described only as an "elderly" San Gabriel Valley resident who was hospitalized in late March and has since recovered.

According to the state's West Nile virus-tracking website, only one other human case of West Nile virus has been reported this season in California, in Kings County.

"West Nile is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes in Los Angeles County," said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, the county's interim health officer. "Take precautions against mosquito bites such as using a repellant containing DEET when outdoors, especially around dawn or dusk.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment for West Nile virus," he said. "Elderly persons and other people with weak immune systems are at highest risk of developing severe illness."

Symptoms of the virus -- which is transmitted by mosquito bites -- can include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headaches, but many people who are infected may not show any symptoms. About one in 150 people could develop more serious problems, such as brain inflammation or paralysis, health officials said.

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

• eliminate standing water that can attract mosquitoes;
• 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; and
• ensure door and window screens are fitted properly to keep bugs out.

In 2016, Los Angeles County health officials reported 153 human cases and five deaths from West Nile virus. Those statistics do not include the cities of Long Beach and Pasadena, which have their own public health agencies.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock