West Nile: LA County sees first death of the year due to mosquito-borne virus

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Los Angeles County health officials on Wednesday confirmed the first death from West Nile virus in the province this year.

The patient was only described as an “elderly resident” of the South Los Angeles area. 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 breed mosquitoes, both inside and outside their homes, and to cover, clean or delete these items. Residents should protect themselves from diseases spread by mosquitoes with EPA-registered mosquito tissue products, especially during the peak peak mouse season, which runs from June to November in Los Angeles County. ”

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Health and vector control officials urged residents to take all possible steps they can to attract mosquitoes, including:

Tip weekly stagnant water around the house

Dispose of unused containers that can hold stagnant water

Protect against bites with insect repellent containing CDC-recommended Picaridin, DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535.

A total of five human cases of the virus have been confirmed so far this year in the coverage area of ​​the county Department of Public Health, which excludes Long Beach and Pasadena.

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