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A resident of San Luis Obispo County is believed to have died of complications from West Nile virus.
The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department said the person allegedly contracted West Nile while visiting an area of the state outside the county.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family of this patient,” County health officer Dr Penny Borenstein said in a press release. “This loss is a tragic reminder that West Nile virus is here in California and can cause very serious illness. Please be sure to protect yourself from mosquito bites and drain all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
This is the first case and death of the virus in California this year.
Health officials say West Nile is commonly transmitted by mosquitoes to humans and animals and generally follows a seasonal pattern based on mosquito populations.
“While most people infected with West Nile have no symptoms, about one in five people have flu-like symptoms and a small number of people (less than one percent) develop severe neurological disease,” according to a press release, which states that the risk increases for people over 50 or those with certain medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Health officials offer the following preventative advice:
- Apply a repellant containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
- Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Be vigilant at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus usually bite in the early morning and evening.
- Check and repair all screens, including screen doors, to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
To eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home, people are encouraged to remove standing water from drains or containers, roof gutters, and things like birdbaths, fountains, and animal dishes. of company.
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