Long Beach health officials reported Thursday the city’s first West Nile virus-related death since 2017 as cases of the mosquito-borne disease continue to rise.
The person was hospitalized and died after developing neuroinvasive illness, according to the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. No other information about the person was released.
As of Thursday, 41 West Nile virus cases had been reported in Long Beach this year, with 71% involving neuroinvasive illness. Health officials said the number is substantially higher than at the same point in 2014, when 22 cases had been reported. A total of 56 cases were reported in the city that year.
“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the resident who passed away,” City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada said. “West Nile virus can cause serious illness, and this loss underscores the importance of protecting ourselves and our loved ones from mosquito bites. As mosquito season continues, I urge residents to use insect repellent and eliminate standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed.”
The Long Beach death comes as West Nile virus activity has increased across Los Angeles County. County health officials said Monday that 100 cases and five deaths had been reported this year, the highest number of cases this early in the mosquito season in nearly a decade.
Almost all of the people diagnosed countywide have suffered severe illness affecting the brain or spinal cord and required hospital care, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious illness affecting the brain and spinal cord, including encephalitis, meningitis, paralysis or death. Older adults and people with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus.
Okada urged residents to use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus and to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Residents were also advised to repair door and window screens, empty standing water from flowerpots, birdbaths, buckets and other containers at least once a week, and properly maintain swimming pools and spas.
The city’s Vector Control Program and its partner agencies, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District, are continuing mosquito surveillance and control efforts throughout Long Beach.
Residents can obtain more information at longbeach.gov/WNV.