SFV Resident Dies From Mosquito-Borne Illness, First Fatality Of 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA — A San Fernando Valley resident recently died after contracting West Nile virus, marking the first death of the year from the mosquito-borne illness in Los Angeles County, health officials announced this week.

The patient was hospitalized and died from neurological illness caused by severe West Nile, which spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Over a dozen other cases of the virus — the most common cause of mosquito-born disease in the continental U.S. — have been documented in Los Angeles County so far this year, according to the county Department of Public Health.

"To the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one due to West Nile virus, we extend our heartfelt condolences,” county Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said. “This tragic loss highlights the serious health risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, dengue, and others."

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.

The county is also grappling with what officials call an "unprecedented" spread of another mosquito-borne illness, dengue fever.

West Nile-positive mosquitoes have been found this year across the county, including in the San Fernando Valley, Inglewood and the San Gabriel Valley. A total of 14 cases have been documented in LA County so far this year, excluding Long Beach and Pasadena (which have their own health departments).

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

Last year, there were 70 infections recorded by the LA County Department of Public Health. Of those, 61 people were hospitalized and three people died.