Woman In 60s Is Orange County's First Human Case Of West Nile Virus This Year
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Health officials confirmed Wednesday the first human case of West Nile virus in Orange County this year.
An Anaheim woman in her 60s has been hospitalized since July and is in serious condition, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
"West Nile virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall," said Dr. Eric Handler, the county's health officer. "The best way to avoid West Nile virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites."
The first human case of West Nile virus in Los Angeles County this year was reported on July 20. According to health officials, an "elderly" Echo Park man was hospitalized in late June and is now recovering at home.
In 2015, Orange County logged 97 reported human infections of WNV and eight WNV-related deaths, and Los Angeles County recorded 300 human infections, including 24 fatalities.
Cases are generally reported between July and October or early November.
The elderly and other people with weak immune systems are at highest risk of developing severe illnesses such as meningitis and encephalitis.
Symptoms may never materialize, but can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.
Mosquitoes typically become carriers of the virus after feeding on an infected bird and can then spread the potentially lethal strain to animals and humans.
Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Vector Control District's website .
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