West Nile Virus Detected in LA County

There are two human cases of West Nile virus that have been confirmed in Los Angeles County, bringing the statewide count to 10 cases, county health officials announced Monday.

Both patients were hospitalized and should recover, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Health. Both are middle-aged men with pre-existing health conditions.

West Nile virus had been detected in 45 dead birds and 115 mosquito samples taken in Los Angeles County as of Friday—the highest level since 2008's epidemic, said Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District representative Suzanne Kuh. According to a map on the vector control district's website, none of the birds carrying the virus were found near Redondo Beach.

Mosquitos, which breed in stagnant water like neglected swimming pools, obtain the virus by feeding on infected wild birds. The insects then spread the virus to humans.

The virus does not spread by human contact, and in many cases, people infected with the virus don't become sick. Some experience only mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, nausea, body aches and a mild skin rash. These symptoms appear three to 12 days after a person is infected.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only one in 150 people bitten by an infected mosquito becomes seriously ill, leading to encephalitis and death. There is no specific treatment for the virus, but some patients are hospitalized.

People can decrease their risk of infection by avoiding mosquito bites. Stay away from mosquito-infected areas at dusk and dawn; cover up with long-sleeved shirts and pants; and use insect repellants containing DEET, picaridin or eucalyptus oil.

Additionally, people should prevent water from collecting in old tires, swimming pools, birdbaths and other containers, and swimming pools should be clean and chlorinated.

City News Service contributed to this report.