LA County studies first human West Nile virus circumstances of 2025 – NBC Los Angeles

Public well being officers Wednesday confirmed the primary human circumstances of West Nile virus in Los Angeles County this yr.

In keeping with the county Division of Public Well being, 4 individuals had been hospitalized with the virus between late July and late August. The unidentified sufferers lived within the Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley and central Los
Angeles areas.

“The primary human circumstances of West Nile virus are an essential reminder that all of us have to take steps to forestall mosquito bites and mosquito breeding,” Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County well being officer, mentioned in an announcement. “Mosquitos thrive in scorching climate, rising the chance of bites and mosquito-borne illnesses.”

Davis mentioned individuals ought to take steps to cut back publicity to mosquitoes, akin to utilizing insect repellents, eradicating gadgets that maintain standing water the place mosquitoes can breed, and set up door and window screens to forestall the bugs from coming into properties.

The virus is unfold by way of the chew of an contaminated mosquito. Signs can embrace fever, headache, nausea, physique aches and a minor pores and skin rash. It may end up in meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and probably dying.

Los Angeles County has reported a mean of 56 human circumstances of the virus yearly over the previous 5 years. Well being officers mentioned the precise quantity is probably going a lot greater, since many contaminated individuals by no means develop any sickness or signs and their circumstances are by no means reported.