LOS ANGELES, August 17- The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed today that a man diagnosed with West Nile virus died early last month, the first death associated with the mosquito borne illness in the county for 2007.
The LA County also confirmed two non-fatal cases of West Nile Virus, bringing the total in the county for 2007 to 4.
The fatal case involves a man in his 80's who lived in the San Fernando Valley. He died following a brief hospitalization. But health officials are not certain how much the mosquito-borne West Nile virus attributed to his death because he had multiple, chronic medical problems.
"The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications and death from West Nile Virus than others," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer.
The latest two nonfatal cases include a middle aged man, living in the San Fernando Valley, who was diagnosed with the virus in mid-July, and an elderly man in the central Los Angeles area who became ill earlier this month. Both were hospitalized briefly and are recovering at home.
The first West Nile virus human case in the county was reported last week.
"It is important to remember that West Nile can appear anywhere in Los Angeles County or the state. The West Nile Virus has been detected in birds and mosquitoes in several areas throughout the county," said Dr. Fielding.
In Los Angeles County, 7 samples of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to www.westnile.ca.gov.
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The LA County also confirmed two non-fatal cases of West Nile Virus, bringing the total in the county for 2007 to 4.
The fatal case involves a man in his 80's who lived in the San Fernando Valley. He died following a brief hospitalization. But health officials are not certain how much the mosquito-borne West Nile virus attributed to his death because he had multiple, chronic medical problems.
"The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications and death from West Nile Virus than others," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer.
The latest two nonfatal cases include a middle aged man, living in the San Fernando Valley, who was diagnosed with the virus in mid-July, and an elderly man in the central Los Angeles area who became ill earlier this month. Both were hospitalized briefly and are recovering at home.
The first West Nile virus human case in the county was reported last week.
"It is important to remember that West Nile can appear anywhere in Los Angeles County or the state. The West Nile Virus has been detected in birds and mosquitoes in several areas throughout the county," said Dr. Fielding.
In Los Angeles County, 7 samples of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to www.westnile.ca.gov.
Discuss Add this link to... Bury
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