Los Angeles County health officials on Wednesday confirmed the first death linked to West Nile virus in the county this year.
The patient was only described as an “elderly resident” of South Los Angeles. The person was hospitalized and died of West Nile virus-associated neuro-invasive disease.
“West Nile virus remains a serious health threat to residents of Los Angeles County,” said County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis in a statement.
‘We encourage residents to check for items that can hold water and feed mosquitoes, both inside and outside their homes, and to cover, clean or remove these items. Residents need to protect themselves from diseases spread by mosquitoes with EPA-registered mosquito-repellent products, especially during the entire mosquito season, which runs from June to November in Los Angeles County. ”
Health and vector control officials urged residents to take steps to attract mosquitoes, including:
- Tap stagnant water around houses weekly;
- Dispose of unused containers that can hold stagnant water; en
- Bite protection with insect repellent containing CDC-recommended Picaridin, DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535.
Five human cases of the virus have been confirmed this year in the LA County Department of Public Health’s coverage area, which excludes Long Beach and Pasadena.
Last year, there were 29 cases of West Nile virus in the province and three deaths.
A child who tested positive for West Nile virus in Orange County is the first person to be infected this year, officials said Monday.
