Long Beach health officials caution against West Nile Virus after death in California

Long Beach health officials are asking people to take precautions against West Nile Virus in light of state reports confirming the first death this year involving a senior citizen in Sacramento County.

Although Long Beach has not documented any West Nile virus activity this year, it has been detected in Orange and Los Angeles counties, prompting Interim Health Officer Dr. Maura Too to remind residents to protect themselves during the summer months.

“The first death of a Califoia resident due to West Nile virus is a sad and sobering reminder of the risk posed by mosquito bites,” Too said in a statement. “I would like to take this time to remind Long Beach residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and minimize risk of infection, especially at this time of the year when the risk of infection is at its highest.”

West Nile Virus is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Signs and symptoms of West Nile Virus may include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headache. Most people who are infected have no symptoms, and approximately one in 150 may develop more serious disease, such as brain inflammation or paralysis.

For further information, contact the City of Long Beach Health Department, Vector Control Program, at 562-570-4132 or online at www.longbeach.gov/health and click on “West Nile Virus.”

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