West Nile Virus Victim Dies

Elderly man dies due to West Nile virus, according to San Bernardino County health authorities

By ALEJANDRO CANO
Published: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 9:31 AM PDT
An 86-year-old man is considered to be the first fatal victim of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus in the region this year, San Bernardino County authorities said on Oct. 23.

According to authorities, the man contracted the virus on Oct. 6, but it was reported to local agencies on Oct. 22.

"We are greatly saddened by this death that has occurred in San Bernardino County. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family. We continue to see an increase of WNV activity throughout the county and therefore, we strongly encourage the public to take appropriate precautionary measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites," said Maxwell Ohikhuare, San Bernardino County Health officer, in a press release.

According to Ohikhuare, there have been a total of 19 symptomatic human WNV cases in the county (including at least one in Fontana) and 12 in Riverside County.


Statewide, there have been 326 human-related cases with 15 deaths, the State Department of Public Health said.

To prevent any more deaths, residents -- especially those over 50 years old -- "should be cautious," said authorities, as they are "more likely to develop serious illness if they contract the virus."

WNV is transmitted though the bite of an infected mosquito that has fed on an infected bird, said authorities. Signs and symptoms of WNV may include fever, body aches, rashes, nausea, vomiting and headache, they added.

"Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms; however, some people may develop severe symptoms which can lead to brain inflammation or paralysis," they said.

Residents can protect themselves from mosquito bites by taking the following precautions: Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active; wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts that are loose fitting and light colored; remove or drain all standing water around the property where mosquitoes lay eggs such as birdbaths, ponds, old tires, buckets, clogged gutters or puddles from leaky sprinklers; apply insect repellent containing DEET; and make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

Authorities also encourage residents to participate in the WNV surveillance program by reporting dead birds to the State West Nile Virus toll-free hotline at (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473 or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.