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313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 288-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

October 21, 2013

Health Officer Reminds All to Take Precautions Against Mosquitoes
Seventh confirmed death of West Nile Virus in LA County

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Health Officer today confirmed the seventh human death this year from West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Los Angeles County. This week three fatalities were confirmed; two men from South Central Los Angeles and one man from the San Fernando Valley; all had pre-existing health conditions and had been hospitalized at the time of death. To date this year, 139 WNV infections have been documented, including 21 asymptomatic blood donors.

"We continue to see increased transmission of this virus that can cause serious disease," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "Taking a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of mosquito bites, the primary pathway to human infection. West Nile can appear anywhere in Los Angeles County, or around the state, and we are urging people to take precautions, such as getting rid of pools of stagnant water around their homes, and using a repellant containing DEET when outdoors in mosquito prone areas, especially around dawn or dusk."

In most years, the risk of WNV decreases by October. In 2012, WNV cases continued to be reported through late November. In October 2013, warm fall temperatures throughout Los Angeles County continue to support mosquito breeding and WNV transmission prolonging the season for WNV infection that could extend throughout November. This year, risk of infection has been especially elevated in the South Bay. Several mosquito abatement agencies in Southern California, including the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD), Los Angeles County West Vector Control District, Antelope Valley and the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, have been cautioning residents that this year is a particularly active year for mosquitoes carrying WNV.

To date, 139 WNV infections have been reported in Los Angeles County. Of those who showed symptoms, 80% required hospitalization and 6% were fatal. As of October 17, 2013, WNV has been detected in 397 mosquito pools and 304 dead birds in Los Angeles County. The wide-ranging distribution of our human cases demonstrates that the virus can affect any location. Even though the vast majority of infected individuals do not show symptoms, or have a mild illness, those over 50 years of age and those with immunocompromising medical conditions are at increased risk of serious WNV infection that can affect the brain and spinal cord.

Physicians and other Medical Providers

Senior Centers/ Shelters/Homeless Advocates

About West Nile Virus:

Decrease risk of infection:

More information:

Where to call with questions about mosquitoes:

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: @LAPublicHealth.

West Nile Virus |



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