L.A. County: first death for West Nile virus

A resident of the San Fernando Valley has died from a neurological disease caused by a particularly virulent strain of West Nile virus. The patient would be the first victim of the virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause a lethal infection to the brain. The disease is spreading in Los Angeles County, with infected birds acting as the primary reservoir and transmission occurring via mosquito bites. Most of the time the infected people are asymptomatic, in other cases, they suffer headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, or in more severe cases high fever, concussion, or paralysis. The virus can also cause inflammation in the brain or spinal cord, causing permanent neurologic damage or death. To prevent the transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses, public health authorities recommend the implementation of protective measures, including the use of insect repellent and the installation of screens on doors and windows.