Seventy-two-year old woman in Orange County has become the first victim to succumb to the West Nile virus in California this year. The California State Department of Public Health said the Buena Park resident is said to have died of complications and infection from the flu like illness. Spread by mosquitoes, the virus was first spotted in 1999 in New York State and now has been found across the United States.  

According to the Orange County Health Care Agency, 112 cases have been reported in California this year and 38 of California’s 58 counties reported West Nile activities. Five horses have had the infection detected in them and the virus has also been found in thousands of dead birds, squirrels and hundreds of mosquito samples. The West Nile virus is a seasonal epidemic in California which starts in the summers and continues through fall.

Dr. Mark Horton, director of the health department said, “This unfortunate death reminds us that we must take precautions to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites. Californians should use insect repellent and eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.”

Spread through a mosquito bite, West Nile spreads when a mosquito gets infected after feeding on infected birds. The mosquitoes then spread the virus to both humans and animals when they bite them. Only 20 % of the people who get the virus do not experience any symptoms but the virus can be deadly. High fever, headache, body aches, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis are some of the symptoms of this flu like virus.

The virus was the worst in 2004 when 700 people were infected and 21 of them died. Last year the West Nile virus was detected in almost all California’s Counties and 148 people contracted the infection which resulted in nine deaths.

Physicians recommend people should not expose their skin and wear repellent particularly in the early morning and evening when the mosquitoes that carry the west Nile virus are active. At the first sign of any symptoms people should see doctors.

The health department recommends that California residents should avoid stagnant pools as the mosquitoes lay their eggs in such places. Swimming pools, flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls are some areas they should keep clean and free of standing water. Doors and windows with well fitting screens to keep the mosquitoes out are essential and old torn screens need to be repaired or replaced with new screens.  

The health officials say, as the anticipated cooler weather sets in, the West Nile activity should slow down.