West Nile virus, a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever, is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes
This picture has been used for representational purpose only
Los Angeles County has reported its first death of the year caused by West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne infection, officials said. The patient, described only as an "elderly resident" living in the South Los Angeles area, was hospitalized and died from West Nile virus-associated neuro-invasive disease, Xinhua news agency quoted a statement issued by the county's health department as saying on Wednesday.
#LosAngeles County has reported its first death of the year caused by West Nile virus, a #mosquito-borne infection, officials said.
— IANS Tweets (@ians_india) August 13, 2020
Photo: IANS (Representational Image) pic.twitter.com/gLC0yWymtn
ADVERTISEMENT
"West Nile virus continues to be a serious health threat to residents in Los Angeles County," county Health Officer Muntu Davis said in the statement. "We encourage residents to check for items that can hold water and breed mosquitoes, both inside and outside their homes, and to cover, clean or clear out those items."
West Nile virus, a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever, is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. Humans get the virus through the bite of an infected mosquito, although most mosquitoes do not carry the virus. There is no specific treatment for the disease and no vaccine to prevent infection, according to the public health department.
It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 infections of the disease countywide every year. However, most people's symptoms would be too mild to be recognized A total of five cases have been registered in the Los Angels county so far this year.
Its neighbouring Orange County announced on Monday that a child recovered from West Nile virus, becoming the county's first confirmed human case this year.
Keep scrolling to read more news
Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
