West Nile Virus Claims The Life Of Elderly Seal Beach Woman

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — A Seal Beach woman in her 80s has died due to complications of the West Nile Virus.

The woman, who had underlying medical conditions, died last week, the Orange County Health Care Agency said.

"Test results received this week confirmed WNV infection; of which she had the more severe form, West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease," officials said in a statement.

Orange County currently leads the state in number of WNV infections this year with 40 to date, compared to fewer than 5 infections around this time in the previous four years.

West Nile activity tends to peak in August and September in Orange County, however, health officials continue to see cases into the fall.

Symptoms of West Nile Fever include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Anyone who develops the more serious symptoms of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, or vision loss should seek medical care immediately.

People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from West Nile Virus infection.