Health officials have confirmed the first case of West Nile Virus in the city of Arcadia this year, authorities said this weekend.
The sample was collected on Aug. 18 from a trap site near Baldwin Stocker Park, according to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District
West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected have no symptoms, while about one in five develop a fever and other symptoms, according to health officials.
About one in 150 infected people develop severe symptoms that can include high fever, stiff neck and muscle weakness. Severe illness can include meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis, health officials said.
People older than 50 and those with certain health conditions face a greater risk of serious illness.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus.
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed the county’s first West Nile virus death of the year amid elevated virus activity statewide.
The person who died was a San Fernando Valley resident who was hospitalized with neurological illness caused by severe West Nile virus.
To reduce exposure to mosquitoes with WNV, residents are urged to:
- Get rid of standing water, aside from pools properly treated with chemicals.
- Spend as little time as possible outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are generally on the move.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts during outdoor activity in mosquito-prone areas.
- Use insect repellent.
- Ensure door and window screens are fitted properly to keep bugs out.