One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
Long Beach confirms first human case of West Nile in California
The Culex tarsalis mosquito is one of the most common in Los Angeles County.
(
Settapongd Dee-ud/Getty Images
/
iStockphoto
)
Topline:
The first human case of West Nile virus in California this year was detected in Long Beach, according to the city Friday.
Details: The person was hospitalized with neuroinvasive illness and is currently recovering at home, Long Beach said in a statement.
Symptoms: WNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Most people infected have no symptoms.
Less than 1% of infected patients develop neuroinvasive disease, which typically manifests as meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid myelitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People over 50 or who have chronic health conditions are at higher risk. Those with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical care.
There is no vaccine or treatment for WNV.
Sponsored message
Why now: The risk of West Nile increases during hot weather, typically between June and October. While mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in California, this is the first symptomatic case in the state this year. Long Beach said it has not detected any WNV-positive mosquitoes in the city.
-
Recent rulings have struck down requirements in L.A. and Pasadena for landlords to pay thousands of dollars to tenants who couldn’t afford large rent hikes. -
Organizers and the city say plans for the Venice World Cup event were rushed after the original organizer pulled out. -
Dramatic footage online showed water rushing down streets and cars slamming into each other.
How to protect yourself:
The risk of WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases increases during hot weather. Health officials recommend taking these precautions:
- Prevent mosquito bites by applying insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus before going outside.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if spending time outside during dawn and dusk. WNV-carrying mosquitoes are most active during those times.
- Install or repair door and window screens.
- Dump and drain standing water around home.
- Report dead birds online or call 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473)
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
