![An Australian mosquito. Photo by aussiegall from sydney, Australia [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/mynewsla.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/aussie_mozzie_16-9.jpg?ssl=1)
The victim, described only as an “elderly male,” died after a long hospitalization, according to the city.
“This is a sad reminder of how severe West Nile virus can be,” said Dr. Mitchell Kushner, the city’s health officer. “We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves and family members from mosquitoes.”
City officials said cases of West Nile virus have actually decreased this year, but the season is still active thanks to continuing heat and mosquito-breeding activity.
The city has recorded four human cases of the disease this year.
In 2014, there were 801 human cases throughout California — the second- highest figure on record — resulting in 31 deaths, according to state officials.
Mosquitoes typically become carriers of the virus after feeding on an infected bird and can then spread the potentially lethal strain to animals and humans.
Those at greatest risk include seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms may never materialize, but can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.
Mosquito season in Southern California generally spans the months of May to October. To reduce exposure to West Nile virus, residents are urged to:
— spend as little time as possible outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are generally on the move;
— wear pants and long-sleeved shirts during outdoor activity;
— use insect repellent;
— ensure door and window screens are fitted properly to keep bugs out; and
— get rid of standing water, aside from pools properly treated with chemicals.
— Wire reports