‘A serious disease’: Sacramento County reports first West Nile virus death of 2023
Health officials on Wednesday afternoon announced the first reported West Nile virus death this year in Sacramento County.
The person who died from the the mosquito-borne disease was in their 70s, had underlying chronic disease and had been hospitalized with neuroinvasive West Nile virus. County officials did not release any further details about the person who died.
“This is a reminder that West Nile Virus is a serious disease and unfortunately, can result in death, especially for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems,” Sacramento County Health Officer Olivia Kasirye said in a news release. “We continue to coordinate with the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District to monitor mosquito activity.”
The Mosquito and Vector Control District has been using planes this summer to spray aerial treatments to reduce the mosquito population in areas with increased West Nile virus detected in bird and mosquito samples.
As of Wednesday, there were 16 additional West Nile virus cases confirmed or under investigation. As of Aug. 18, there were 26 human cases of West Nile virus in California. In 2022, there were 207 human cases detected in the state, according to the California Department of Health.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
County health officials said 80% of those infected with virus will have no symptoms and not realize they have been infected, but it’s still important to take personal precautions to prevent contracting the virus. People older than 50 and those with compromised immune systems are greatest at risk for serious illness.
El Dorado County last week reported its first human West Nile virus case this year after a person near Placerville contracted the virus. Yolo County also detected its first human case earlier this month after a Woodland resident tested positive for the West Nile virus.
On Tuesday in Stanislaus County, health officials announced that four people there have been infected with West Nile virus.; the first human cases this year.
Sacramento County health officials said the most effective ways to avoid mosquito bites and prevent West Nile virus are:
▪ Apply insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, according to label instructions.
▪ Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
▪ Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
▪ Avoid going outdoors when mosquitos are most active, at dawn and dusk.
▪ Wear long sleeves and pants when possible.
