El Dorado health officials announce county’s first human West Nile virus death this year

Rosalio Ahumada
·2 min read
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Health officials on Thursday announced the first West Nile virus death this year in El Dorado County, as California continues to record a high volume of virus activity in 2023.

The El Dorado County resident, who was over the age of 55, died at the end of October from neuroinvasive West Nile virus, according to a county news release. County officials did not release any further details about the person who died.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Symptoms usually develop within a week after being bit by an infected mosquito, according to health officials.

West Nile virus symptoms may include fever, nausea, headaches, and muscle aches, lasting from a few days to several weeks. While most people infected have no symptoms, severe complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis or even death can occur, particularly in those older than 60 years old or with compromised immune systems, health officials say.

In late September, a Lincoln man over the age of 65 became the first person to die from West Nile virus this year in Placer County. He was the first Placer County resident to die from West Nile virus in five years.

As of last Friday, officials had confirmed 317 human cases of West Nile virus in California this year. In 2022, there were 207 human cases detected in the state, according to the California Department of Public Health.

El Dorado County officials said there is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus, so preventative measures should be taken to minimize risk:

▪ Drain any stagnant water to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

▪ Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Dawn and dusk are when mosquitoes are most active.

▪ Defend against mosquitoes by using effective insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

▪ Make sure door and window screens are intact to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.