LA County experiences first West Nile virus demise of 2026 – NBC Los Angeles

Los Angeles County well being officers confirmed the county’s first West Nile virus demise of the yr Thursday, as state officers warned that exercise from the mosquito-borne illness has reached a five-year excessive throughout California.

The one that died was a San Fernando Valley resident who was hospitalized with neurological sickness brought on by extreme West Nile virus, based on the Los Angeles County Division of Public Well being. No extra details about the resident was launched.

Fifteen West Nile virus infections have been documented in Los Angeles County thus far this yr, excluding Lengthy Seaside and Pasadena, which have their very own well being departments. County officers stated the variety of infections is above the five-year common for this level within the season.

Half of the folks contaminated within the county this yr reside within the San Fernando Valley, based on the county.

“We prolong our heartfelt condolences to the household and mates grieving the lack of a cherished one because of West Nile virus,” Los Angeles County Well being Officer Dr. Muntu Davis stated. “This tragic loss is a reminder of the intense menace posed by mosquito-borne ailments, together with West Nile virus and dengue.”

Davis urged residents to make use of insect repellent, remove standing water the place mosquitoes can breed and ensure home windows and doorways have tight- becoming screens with out holes or tears.

The county announcement got here the identical day the California Division of Public Well being reported that West Nile virus exercise statewide has reached its highest stage in 5 years.

As of Aug. 14, 30 human circumstances of West Nile virus, together with three deaths, had been reported in 13 California counties this yr, based on the California Division of Public Well being. The variety of human circumstances is above the five-year common for this level within the yr.

“West Nile virus could be deadly, significantly for the aged and immunocompromised,” stated CDPH Director and State Well being Officer Dr. Erica Pan. “August and September are peak intervals of West Nile virus transmission within the state, so we urge everybody to take precautions to guard themselves in opposition to mosquito bites.”

Indicators of West Nile virus exercise have been detected in 32 California counties via surveillance of mosquitoes, useless birds, sentinel chickens and horses, based on CDPH.

Greater than 24% of useless birds recognized via surveillance have examined optimistic for the virus, in contrast with a five-year common of 13%. Eight out of each 1,000 mosquitoes examined are optimistic, in contrast with a five-year common of 5 per 1,000, state officers stated.

Los Angeles County vector management districts have additionally reported a higher-than-expected variety of optimistic mosquito swimming pools and useless birds this yr.

“After experiencing the warmest winter on file, West Nile virus amplification and consequently detection in Los Angeles County began nearly two months early this yr, resulting in widespread exercise countywide,” stated Susanne Kluh, normal supervisor of the Higher Los Angeles County Vector Management District.

Kluh stated virus detections stay frequent regardless of suppressed mosquito abundance and urged residents to put on repellent when outside, significantly round daybreak and nightfall.

West Nile virus is transmitted to folks and animals via the chunk of an contaminated mosquito. Most individuals who change into contaminated don’t have any signs, whereas about one in 5 develop a fever and different signs, based on well being officers.

About one in 150 contaminated folks develop extreme signs that may embody excessive fever, stiff neck and muscle weak spot. Extreme sickness can embody meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis, well being officers stated.

Individuals older than 50 and people with sure well being situations face a larger danger of significant sickness.

There is no such thing as a vaccine or particular remedy for West Nile virus.