Health Officials Confirm First Human Case Of West Nile Virus In LA County This Season

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The first human case of West Nile Virus this season in Los Angeles County has now been confirmed.

The patient is a male described only as a child from the South Bay, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Public health officials say the patient was hospitalized with the virus earlier this month, but is now home recovering.

West Nile is spread by infected mosquitoes.

"West Nile can appear anywhere in Los Angeles County, and we are urging people to take precautions, such as getting rid of pools of stagnant water around their homes, and using a repellent containing DEET when outdoors, especially around dawn or dusk," said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer for Los Angeles County.

"All residents should take the proper precautions to avoid and protect against mosquitoes," Gunzenhauser added in a statement released on Monday.

The patient did not have an preexisting medical conditions, reported KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO.

Symptoms of West Nile include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, and possibly paralysis and death, reported the radio station.