California announced its first death in West Nile this year

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The death occurred in San Luis Obispo County, according to a press release from the California Department of Public Health. No further information was given to identify the death.

“West Nile virus activity is increasing in the state, so I urge Californians to take every feasible precaution to protect against mosquito bites,” Dr. Thomas Aragon, public health officer and director of the state health department, said in the news release.

West Nile virus is usually spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus has been identified in 177 mosquitoes from 13 counties across the state, according to the health department.

“High temperatures this month are contributing to an increase in mosquito numbers and an increased risk of transmission of the virus to humans,” the statement said, adding that “activity is within expected levels” this summer.

Symptoms of West Nile infection include fatigue, fever, headache, body aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. However, 80% of those infected do not develop any symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Although the risk of serious illness is low, people 50 and older who have diabetes or high blood pressure have a “higher chance of getting sick,” according to the state health department.

Less than 1% of those infected develop a serious neurological disease, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), according to the CDC. There is no specific vaccine or treatment for West Nile virus.

The Ministry of Health recommends wearing appropriate clothing and insect repellents if outside, especially in the early morning or evening; close windows and doors with narrow screens; And since mosquitoes lay eggs on standing water, eliminating “all sources of standing water on your property.”

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