Public Health Officials Confirm First West Nile Death In San Bernardino County This Year

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — Public health officials have confirmed San Bernardino County's first death from West Nile Virus this year.

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health says there have been five confirmed cases of West Nile Virus within the county and 36 cases throughout the state this year.

The department said the first confirmed death, however, occurred in a previously reported case.

"We are greatly saddened by this death that has occurred in San Bernardino County. We extend our deepest condolences to the family," Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, a health officer, said.

Ohikhuare said they have seen an increase in the virus throughout the county and urged the public to exercise precautions.

Those precautions include avoid spending time outside when mosquitos are most active and draining all standing water from your property, according to the department.

West Nile is spread by infected mosquitoes, and according to public health officials, those susceptible to most serious illness include elderly individuals with compromised immune systems.