1st death from mosquito-borne West Nile virus in LA County reported this year

A San Fernando Valley resident died from West Nile virus, marking the first death from the mosquito-borne illness in Los Angeles County this year.

The person was hospitalized and died from a neurological disease caused by a severe case of West Nile, which has infected dozens of people in the county in the last few years as some cases prove fatal, according to the LA County Department of Public Health. So far, 14 people have been infected with the virus so far this year, health officials said Thursday.

Over the five-year span between 2018 and 2023, there have been 320 cases of West Nile virus in LA County and 17 deaths, according to data from the Department of Public Health. The highest number of infections and deaths were reported in 2020.

The virus spreads when someone is bitten by an infected mosquito although most don't carry West Nile so most people aren't exposed to the virus. Typically, more mild symptoms include fever, body aches, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting or a rash, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reports there are no known vaccines or medicines to treat it.

But some cases, particularly for people older than 50 or those who have preexisting health conditions, can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Last year, three people died from West Nile virus in LA County and a total of 70 cases were reported, according to data from the Department of Public Health. In 2022, there were 64 cases reported and no deaths while 2021 saw just 17 cases and one death.

When the pandemic broke out in 2020, cases and deaths from West Nile virus reached the highest level seen in the years since — 93 cases were reported and seven people died from the virus, according to public health officials. The year before saw significantly less people get sick from the illness, with 29 cases and three deaths reported in 2019.

In 2018, there were 47 cases of the virus and three deaths reported.

The Department of Public Health says peak mosquito season in LA County runs from June to November. 

Across the U.S., there have been 748 cases of West Nile virus confirmed as of Sept. 24, according to the CDC.

The CDC advises using insect repellant spray, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and taking steps to control mosquito populations indoors and outdoors, such as by removing pools of still water such as bird baths which can attract the insects.