Probable West Nile Virus Case Imported to Orange County

(Santa Ana) – According to the California Department of Health Services, the first probable case of West Nile virus imported to Orange County has been reported. The patient had recently traveled to Nebraska where it is believed that he was bitten by a mosquito infected with the virus.

The case involves a 70 year-old man who was hospitalized after being diagnosed with aseptic meningitis, an inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord that is caused by a viral infection. Confirmation of West Nile virus infection is pending. “Since this is an imported case, one contracted outside of California, there is no reason for concern among the general public,’ said Mark Horton, M.D., County Health Officer. “It does serve as a reminder that we should take precautions to control mosquitoes by eliminating standing water and use mosquito repellents to avoid this and other mosquito-borne diseases.”

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus (WNV) do not experience symptoms or become ill. If symptoms develop, they will generally occur 3 to 14 days following the bite of an infected mosquito. In some individuals, especially the elderly, West Nile encephalitis is a serious, potentially fatal complication. It is estimated that 1 in 150 persons infected with the West Nile virus will develop the more severe form of disease. Since most mosquitoes do not carry WNV, a person bitten by a mosquito does not need to be tested for WNV. However, anyone who develops symptoms such as a high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches or stiff neck should seek medical care immediately.

West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in 1999 when it was found in the New York City area. It is known to have spread to 43 states, including California, where there has been a single human case reported from Los Angeles County.

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