Los Angeles County health officials on Monday said the 100 cases of West Nile virus reported this year is the highest number since 268 residents developed the illness nearly a decade ago.
Five people have died as a result of the virus in LA County this year, the Department of Public Health announced. Almost all of the deaths were from severe illness affecting the brain or spinal cord, requiring hospitalization.
Cases have been reported countywide.
The last time the county saw a minimum of 100 NWV infections was in 2017, with 268 cases reported over the entire mosquito season, officials said. The local peak mosquito season is June through November.
“West Nile virus can cause serious illness, and the number of severe cases and deaths we are seeing this year is concerning,” county Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “We are still within the peak period for West Nile virus transmission, so it is important that everyone take steps now to protect themselves and their families.”
Davis said residents should apply insect repellent, get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed and make sure that windows and doors have tightly fitting screens without holes or tears.
West Nile virus is endemic to the region and is the most common mosquito-borne disease affecting Los Angeles County residents, according to the health department.
“West Nile virus activity is higher than we typically see, and our teams are actively responding with enhanced surveillance, targeted mosquito control treatments, disease investigations and increased community outreach and education,” San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Manager Jason Farned said in a statement. “These efforts allow us to respond quickly where disease activity is detected, but protecting public health is a shared responsibility. We encourage residents to remain vigilant and take steps to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate stagnant water around their homes.”
Officials urged residents to use EPA-registered mosquito repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone or oil of lemon eucalyptus are.
Properly maintained swimming pools and spas are also key to reducing mosquitoes, according to the health department.
West Nile virus transmission occurs when a person is bitten by a mosquito that has fed on infected birds. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms, while about one in five develop a fever and symptoms that can include headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rash.
About 1 in 150 infections develops into severe symptoms, which can include high fever, a stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness or paralysis, health officials said. Roughly 20% of infected people experience fever and flu-like symptoms.
People older than 50 and those with health problems face an increased risk of severe illness.
There is no vaccine to prevent West Nile virus infection and no specific treatment for the disease, according to the health department.
For more information, see publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/vectorwestnile.htm.
For questions or to find a clinic or doctor, call the Public Health InfoLine, 833-540-0473, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
