A resident of the South Bay was reported as the first person to die from West Nile Virus in 2019 in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Wednesday.
Nine cases of West Nile Virus had been reported in LA County this year.
No detailed information was available on the patient, other than to reveal the person was hospitalized and died from WNV-associated neuro-invasive disease.
The department of health said typically patients over 50 years old are at higher risk.
West Nile Virus, spread by the aggressive Aedes mosquito, typically carries symptoms including muscle aches, fever, and fatigue.
Mosquito samples carrying West Nile were found in traps in Carson, Northridge, Reseda and Signal Hill earlier in the year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents with the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
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Visit CalSurv Maps for a comprehensive look at this year's West Nile virus activity throughout Southern California.
West Nile virus is a leading cause of severe infections of the nervous system among adults older than age 50 in Los Angeles County. WNV is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for WNV. One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms, which can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for several days to months. One in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis, and possibly death.
City News Service contributed to this report.
