First West Nile Virus Death Reported In LA County

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Health officials Friday confirmed the first death due to the West Nile virus in Los Angeles County in 2014.

The man in his 60s, who lived in the San Fernando Valley, had pre-existing health conditions and was hospitalized at the time of his death, the Department of Public Health said.

To date, 20 WNV infections, including three asymptomatic blood donors have been documented in the county.

In 2013, 165 human cases of WNV were reported in Los Angeles County, among the highest counts documented since 2004. Of those who showed symptoms and were reported, 122 cases required hospitalization and nine cases were fatal.

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.

Earlier this week, a Seal Beach woman in her 80s became the first victim of the virus in Orange County.

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