Public health officials on Wednesday, Sept. 17, confirmed the first human cases of West Nile virus in Los Angeles County this year.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, four people were hospitalized with the virus between late July and late August. The unidentified patients lived in the Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley and central Los Angeles areas.
“The first human cases of West Nile virus are an important reminder that we all need to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding,” Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, said in a statement. “Mosquitos thrive in hot weather, increasing the risk of bites and mosquito-borne diseases.”
Davis said people should take steps to reduce exposure to mosquitoes, such as using insect repellents, removing items that hold standing water where mosquitoes can breed, and install door and window screens to prevent the insects from entering homes.
The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches and a minor skin rash. It can result in meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and potentially death.
Los Angeles County has reported an average of 56 human cases of the virus annually over the past five years. Health officials said the actual number is likely much higher, since many infected people never develop any illness or symptoms and their cases are never reported.
Related Posts:
- First Illinois West Nile virus death of 2025 confirmed in suburban Cook County News A suburban Cook County resident in their 60s has died after contracting West Nile virus, marking the first virus-related death reported this year in Illinois, health officials announced Wednesday. Lab testing has confirmed that the virus was a contributing factor in the resident’s death, the Cook County Department of Public…
- Port of Los Angeles reports strong August numbers amid shipping uncertainty News Cargo flow at the Port of Los Angeles remained strong in August, Executive Director Gene Seroka said on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The port processed 958,355 twenty-foot equivalent units last month, nearly the same as in August 2024. Loaded imports at the Port of Los Angeles came in at 504,514 TEUs,…
- Heat advisory active for Los Angeles County until Tuesday evening News Los Angeles County is under a heat advisory which was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 9:47 a.m. The advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA states to expect, “Temperatures up to 105 degrees.” “There is a high risk for heat illness…
- Flood watch issued for Los Angeles County for Thursday and Friday due to prolonged downpours News Los Angeles County was placed under a flood watch by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 12:31 p.m. The watch is valid from Thursday 5 a.m. until Friday Sept. 19, at 2 a.m. The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA said, “Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.” “Excessive runoff…
- Flood watch issued for Los Angeles County for Thursday and Friday due to prolonged downpours Uncategorized Los Angeles County was placed under a flood watch by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 12:31 p.m. The watch is valid from Thursday 5 a.m. until Friday Sept. 19, at 2 a.m. The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA said, “Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.” “Excessive runoff…
(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)