Health officials announced today the first confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus in Los Angeles County. Two residents from the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles county were infected in late July and are currently still recovering.
Muntu Davis, a Los Angeles County health official, released a statement saying, “Every year in Los Angeles County, we see cases of West Nile virus infection, which can be serious, even deadly, especially for people over 50 and those who have existing health problems,” he continues, “Mosquito bites aren’t just annoying, they may make you sick. So, everyone should take protective action by using mosquito repellent when outdoors and getting rid of items in their homes or yards that collect standing water where mosquitoes can breed.”
The West Nile virus is typically spread by mosquitoes, however, the infections usually go unnoticed or misdiagnosed. However, according to the Center for Disease Control, 20% of those infected can experience a range of negative symptoms like headaches, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. An even rarer situation, affecting 1 in 150 people who are infected, can develop a serious illness that can lead to inflammation of the spinal cord or brain. There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for the illness.
Officials estimate that 10,000 people in Los Angeles County contract the virus per year, but since some don’t show any symptoms many cases are either not “reported or recognized as West Nile virus.” As for what can be done to avoid contracting the virus, avoid standing water, use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid bites in mosquito ridden areas. The county’s guidelines for avoidance can be found here.
