Health officials with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health have confirmed that one person with West Nile Virus infection has died. Because the man, who lived in the San Fernando Valley, was in his 80’s and had multiple, chronic medical problems, it is not possible to determine the extent to which the virus contributed to his death. He died earlier this month following a brief hospitalization.
The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications and death from West Nile Virus than others, said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer.
Two other cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed in Los Angeles County. A middle aged man, living in the San Fernando Valley, was diagnosed with the virus in mid-July, and an elderly man in the central Los Angeles area became ill earlier this month. Both were hospitalized briefly and are recovering at home. These cases are in addition to the case reported last week, for a total of four cases in the County.
It is important to remember that West Nile can appear anywhere in Los Angeles County or the state. The West Nile Virus has been detected in birds and mosquitoes in several areas throughout the County. We continue to urge people of all ages to take precautions, such as avoiding mosquitoes, removing pools of stagnant water around their homes, and using a repellant containing DEET when outdoors in mosquito prone areas, especially around dawn or dusk, said Dr. Fielding.
Public health officials are required to report confirmed cases of West Nile Virus to the California Department of Public Health. By protocol, the first five cases each season must be confirmed by testing at the County’s Public Health Laboratory, before they are reported to the state.
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