A San Fernando Valley resident died from West Nile virus, marking the first death from the mosquito-borne disease in Los Angeles County this year.
The person was hospitalized and died of a neurological disease caused by a severe case of West Nile, which has infected dozens of people in the county in recent years as some cases prove fatal, according to the LA County Department of Public Health. So far this year, 14 people have been infected with the virus, health officials said Thursday.
There have been 320 cases of West Nile Virus in LA County and 17 deaths in the five-year period between 2018 and 2023, according to Department of Health data. The highest number of infections and deaths were reported in 2020.
The virus spreads when someone is bitten by an infected mosquito, although most do not carry West Nile so most people are not exposed to the virus. Milder symptoms typically include fever, body aches, headache, diarrhea, vomiting or rash, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reports that there are no known vaccines or medications to treat the disease.
But some cases, especially in people over 50 or those with pre-existing health problems, 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 Department of Health data. In 2022, 64 cases and no deaths were reported, while in 2021 there were only 17 cases and one death.
When the pandemic emerged in 2020, cases and deaths from West Nile virus reached their highest levels in subsequent years, with 93 cases reported and seven people dying from the virus, according to public health officials. The year before, significantly fewer people fell ill with the disease, with 29 cases and three deaths reported in 2019.
In 2018, there were 47 reported cases of the virus and three deaths.
The Department of Health says peak mosquito season in LA County runs from June to November.
According to the CDC, 748 cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in the US as of September 24.
The CDC recommends using insect repellent sprays, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and taking steps to control mosquito populations indoors and outdoors, such as removing puddles of standing water, such as birdbaths, that can attract the insects .
