Orange County Reports First Human Case Of West Nile Virus
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Health officials say a 51-year-old Orange man tested positive this week for West Nile Virus infection, Orange County's first human to be infected this year.
The man, who was not identified by Orange county health officials, experienced symptoms during the third week of July and has completely recovered.
This is the 19th human case of West Nile Virus reported in California this year. In 2014, there were 280 reported human infections of the virus and nine related deaths reported in Orange County.
"West Nile Virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall," Dr. Eric G. Handler, county health officer, said in a statement. "The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites."
Symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness and sometimes a skin rash. There are also more serious symptoms, such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion and muscle weakness or paralysis. People 50 years or older and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications with West Nile infection.
Health officials recommend emptying all standing water, keeping windows and door screens in good condition and using insect repellent to prevent West Nile Virus infection.
