California’s First West Nile Virus Death Reported in Orange County
For
Immediate Release: August 25, 2008
Contact: Deanne Thompson (714) 834-2178
(Santa Ana) - A 72 year old Orange County woman is the first person in California to die of West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year.
The Buena Park resident died in August after being hospitalized. Testing by the California Department of Public Health has confirmed the woman had WNV infection. While people over 50 years of age are at increased risk of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, the more serious form of West Nile Virus infection, there have been several cases reported this year in individuals under age 50, including one juvenile.
County health officials urge area residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. “West Nile virus activity is very high in Southern California this year and this unfortunate death shows how serious West Nile virus infection can be,” said Dr. Eric G. Handler, County Health Officer. “It is very important that people take the necessary steps to prevent mosquito bites and minimize their risk of West Nile virus infection.”
Recommended WNV precautions include:
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Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed
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Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition
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Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535, always following label directions
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Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
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Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
This is the first WNV-related fatality in Orange County since 2004, the first year that human cases were reported in the County. Statewide, 112 human cases of West Nile virus infection have been reported in 2008, including 97 symptomatic cases. The statewide number includes 26 symptomatic cases and 4 positive blood donors from Orange County.
Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not experience symptoms or become seriously ill. Up to 20% of those infected with West Nile Virus experience symptoms which may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Anyone who develops more serious symptoms such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, or vision loss should seek medical care immediately. People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from WNV infection.
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:
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