Officials said the first cases of the West Nile virus have been recorded in Los Angeles County this year, with four people hospitalized between July and August.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that patients from Antelope Valley, San Fernando and Central Los Angeles have contracted the virus, are hospitalized and are recovering.
“The first human case of the West Nile virus is an important reminder that all of us need to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding,” said Dr. Muntu Davis. Los Angeles County health officials in a statement.
“Mosquitoes thrive in hot weather, increasing the risk of bites and mosquito-borne diseases.”
The West Nile was bitten by infected mosquitoes. Those who have the virus may suffer from a variety of symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea, body aches and mild skin rash.
The virus can attack the nervous system and cause meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and, in rare cases, even death.
Adults over the age of 50 and those with chronic health conditions are at a critical risk.
The mosquitoes believed to carry the virus are in Los Angeles County, although not all are vectors, according to health officials.
Davis encourages residents to use insect repellents, get rid of water around the house, and install or repair windows to reduce mosquito contact.
According to health officials, the EPA registered spray contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE), Para-Menthane-Diol (PMD) or 2-glyone, which has proven safe and effective even for pregnant women and breastfeeding.
Similarly, avoiding areas at dawn or dusk is the key to avoiding bites when mosquitoes gather.
When venturing into an area known for mosquitoes, one should consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt and trousers.
Mosquitoes tend to lay eggs where water accumulates.
The health department recommends clearing and scrubbing places where water accumulates, including tires, buckets, pet bowls, growers and rain barrels.
Bird cabins and wading pools should be cleaned weekly and regularly and chlorine.
The health department said over the past five years that Los Angeles County (Pasadena and Long Beach, reported to its own institutions) has an average of about 56 West Nile virus cases per year. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of infected people is expected to be higher as most affected people suffer mild symptoms and will not submit reports to the county.
Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Last year, 132 cases were reportedwith Northridge (eight), Lake Balboa (seven) and Porter Ranch (seven) produced the most recorded infections. Two people died in the county and 12 people in the state in 2024, According to the country’s figures.
About three-quarters of cases in Los Angeles County suffer from severe illness, and about 10% of severe West Nile virus die from complications.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus disease, nor is there a vaccine to prevent infection.
“Western Nile virus found in our area has been found in California and here in our community,” Brenna Bates-Grubb, a community outreach expert in the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Area, said in a statement.
“This is part of our local environment and continues year after year,” she added. “With the recent rainfall and more in the forecast, the conditions are ideal for mosquito reproduction.”
