Fatal Case Of West Nile Reported In San Bernardino County

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY (CBSLA.com) — The County of San Bernardino's Department of Public Health has reported the first fatal case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in that county in 2013.

A total of ten cases of WNV have been confirmed in the county thus far in 2013.

"We are greatly saddened by this death that has occurred in San Bernardino County. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family. We continue to see an increase of WNV activity throughout the county and therefore, we strongly encourage that the public takes appropriate precautionary measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites," said Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, San Bernardino County Health Officer.

"People over 50 years old should be especially cautious, as they are more likely to develop serious illness if they contract the virus," Ohikhuare added.

WNV is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito that has fed on an infected bird.

Signs and symptoms of WNV include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headache. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms; however, some people may develop severe symptoms which can lead to brain inflammation or paralysis.

For more information on WNV, visit the San Bernardino County Mosquito and Vector Control Program by clicking here.