4 West Nile Infections Reported In LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — Four people are recovering from West Nile virus after being hospitalized for the illness earlier this summer, marking the first cases of the virus recorded in Los Angeles County this season, health officials reported Wednesday.

The patients — who live in the Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley and Central Los Angeles — were hospitalized for about a month beginning in late July and are recovering. The cases of the mosquito-born illness are the first of the season and were reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Wednesday.

"The first human cases of West Nile virus are an important reminder that we all need to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding," Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, said in a statement. "Mosquitos thrive in hot weather, increasing the risk of bites and mosquito-borne diseases."

There are no vaccines or treatment for West Nile in people. Most people who become infected with the virus do not become sick. But about 20 percent develop a fever and other symptoms. And one in 150 develop a serious illness that can become fatal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Those at greatest risk include seniors and people with compromised immune systems.

West Nile virus is typically detected in the county in the summer. The season's warm overnight temperatures contribute to mosquito populations and disease activity, according to health officials.

LA County health officials record an average of 56 cases per year, though officials noted the actual number is likely much higher because most people experience either no illness or mild symptoms. Three quarters of reported cases are severe and 10% of those die from complications, according to officials.

Officials said residents should take precautions to reduce conditions in which mosquitos proliferate and protect themselves from getting bitten:

• Dump out stagnant water around the home weekly, as mosquitos can lay their eggs in as little as a quarter-inch of standing water
• Remove unused containers that can hold standing water
• Use insect repellent that contains CDC-recommended ingredients: picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (or PMD), or IR3535