For Immediate Release
Thursday, July 22, 2004

Contact: Howard Sutter (714) 834-2178

California’s First West Nile Virus Death Reported In Orange County

(Santa Ana) – According to the California Department of Health Services, a 57-year-old Orange County man is the first person in California to die of West Nile virus infection.

The man was admitted to a local hospital on June 17 with symptoms of encephalitis and died one week later. Final test results confirming West Nile virus infection were received on Wednesday, July 21.

“While we have been preparing for the arrival of West Nile virus in Orange County for several years, it is unfortunate that the illness has already taken a life,” said Orange County Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton. “We all must take West Nile virus infection very seriously and do everything we can to eliminate mosquitoes and reduce our chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.” The individual had a number of risk factors for developing the most serious complications of West Nile virus infection, such as being over 50 years of age and having a number of long-term health conditions that may have weakened his immune system.

Recommended precautions include:

·        Eliminating any standing water from your property to reduce mosquito breeding

·        Using insect repellent containing DEET, always following label directions

·        Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition

·        Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active

·        Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus (WNV) do not experience symptoms or become ill. As many as 20% of those with WNV infection may experience mild to moderate symptoms and about 1 of every 150 people infected will experience the most serious complications. Anyone who develops symptoms such as a high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches or stiff neck should seek medical care immediately. Adults over 50 years of age are at increased risk of serious complications from WNV infection.

West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in 1999 and has since spread to 46 states, including California.  Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Vector Control District’s website at www.ocvcd.org. Other websites with helpful information about West Nile virus include:

·        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.org

·        State of California www.westnile.ca.gov

·        Orange County Health Care Agency www.ochealthinfo.com

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