West Nile Virus Claims First Death in California

VIRUS: Contra Costa County Mosquito and Vector Control District technician Josefa Cabada carries a bag of Gambusia affinis, better known as 'Mosquito Fish' to a neglected pool at a foreclosed home May 9 in Concord, California. As home foreclossures contin (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

SAN FRANCISCO—An elderly woman in Orange County is the first victim of the West Nile virus this year in California who died after complications associated with the fatal flu-like illness spread by mosquitoes, the California State Department of Public Health announced on Monday. Since first being spotted in New York State in 1999, the deadly virus has been spotted across the United States.

“This unfortunate death reminds us that we must take precautions to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites,” said Dr. Mark Horton, director of the health department. “Californians should use insect repellent and eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.” 

Officials from the health department reported that so far this year 98 people from throughout the State suffered from the potentially serious illness caused by mosquito bites.West Nile virus activities were reported in 38 of California’s 58 counties and infection has been detected in hundreds of mosquito samples.

Experts believe that West Nile virus has become a seasonal epidemic in California that flares up in the summer and continues through the fall.

In comparison with last year at this time, West Nile virus activity was detected in almost all California counties and 148 people were confirmed to have the flu-like infections which resulted in nine deaths.

Most often, the West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and animals when they bite.

This year, the risk of humans being infected is the highest in California since 2004 when more than 700 people were infected and 21 of them died.

Only about 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus may develop severe illness. The flu-like symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last for several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

Mosquitoes that carry the virus bite in the early morning and evening so it is important for Californians to cover their skin or wear repellent at this time, say Physicians.

Physicians recommend seeing a doctor immediately if someone develops these symptoms.

Mosquitoes love “green pools,” or swimming pools left stagnant, and unattended as mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing waters. The health department recommends that California residents eliminate all sources of standing water on property which might turn into mosquito breeding sites, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. 

Health department officials recommend that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes, and that residents repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

Cooler autumn temperatures are anticipated, which will slow West Nile activity, said the officials.