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LA County health officials report first West Nile virus death of the year
The Culex tarsalis mosquito is one of the most common in Los Angeles County.
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Topline:
A San Fernando Valley resident has died after developing a severe case of West Nile virus, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced Friday. It’s the first death from the virus this year.
What we know: The person was hospitalized with a neurological illness that was caused by the virus. The L.A. County Department of Public Health has identified 14 West Nile virus infections this year, with half living in the San Fernando Valley. The first was reported in September.
Is this normal? L.A. County Public Health reports 56 West Nile cases on average — that’s not counting Pasadena or Long Beach, which have their own health departments. Officials say that’s an undercount because most infected people have mild cases or don’t realize they’ve been infected. About three quarters of reported cases are severe, with about 10% of patients dying from complications.
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What can I do? County health officials are asking for the public’s help to prevent the spread of mosquitoes. You can do that by using EPA-registered repellents, such as ones with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The EPA has a search tool to find those on its website. You can also help by clearing small and large areas of standing water, which are hotbeds for mosquito breeding — particularly after the recent October storm system. The peak of the season lasts through November.
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