Long Beach health officials confirm state's first human case of West Nile virus this year
The person was hospitalized with neuroinvasive illness but is currently recovering at home, according to the city.
A Long Beach resident has contracted West Nile virus, the first such human case in the state this year, city health officials said Friday.
The patient was hospitalized with neuroinvasive illness but is currently recovering at home, according to the Long Beach Department of Health.
Transmitted by an infected culex mosquito, West Nile virus typically spreads during warm weather, usually from June to October, city officials said.
Symptoms of the virus infection include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headache. Most people who have been infected exhibit no symptoms, but about one in 150 could develop more serious disease that includes brain inflammation, paralysis or death, city health officials said.
People who are over 55 or have chronic health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. People with these symptoms should seek immediate medical care, city officials said.
There is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent or treat West Nile virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
In a statement issued Friday, acting city Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada urged residents to take the following precautions:
- Prevent mosquito bites by applying insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus before going outside.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if spending time outside during dawn and dusk. Virus-carrying mosquitoes are most active during those times.
- Install or repair door and window screens.
- Dump and drain standing water around your home.
- Report increased mosquito activity and learn more about mosquito prevention by visiting longbeach.gov/mosquitoes.
- Report dead birds online or call 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
The Long Beach Health Department’s Vector Control Program, along with other regional vector control agencies are treating areas with high populations of mosquitoes throughout the city every day, city officials said Friday.
There was just one case of West Nile virus infection in Long Beach last year, city health statistics show.
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