Long Beach confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus and the first symptomatic case reported in California this year, the city’s health department said on Friday.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, but most people infected do not have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically include vomiting, body aches, fever, headache, nausea and/or rash. It’s estimated that one in 150 people may develop a more serious disease that could lead to paralysis, brain inflammation and even death.
The case of the infected person in Long Beach resulted in that individual being hospitalized with neuroinvasive illness, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services said. They are now recovering at home.
Further details on that individual, such as their gender and age, were not disclosed. It’s unclear where that person may have been bitten.
Since there is no treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends preventing mosquito bites by using insect repellents, wearing long clothing, using screens on windows and doors and getting rid of still water near homes.