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LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Los Angeles County on Friday reported its first case this 12 months of an individual dying from West Nile virus.

The individual was solely recognized as a resident of the japanese area of the county. The affected person was hospitalized and died from West Nile virus-associated neuro-invasive illness, the county’s public well being division stated in a information launch.

“To the household and associates feeling the sorrow of shedding this individual on account of WNV, we ship you our deepest sympathies,” stated L.A. County Well being Officer Muntu Davis in a press release. “West Nile virus is usually a severe well being risk to individuals who get contaminated.”

West Nile virus is unfold by mosquitoes, and is a recurring drawback in Southern California, notably in the summertime.

Signs might embrace fever, headache, nausea, physique aches and a gentle pores and skin rash. Officers remind residents to attempt to clear any standing water from across the residence as it might probably appeal to mosquitoes, and to placed on insect repellent when exterior and when mosquitoes are current.

“Folks ought to repeatedly verify for gadgets that may maintain water and breed mosquitoes, each inside and outdoors their houses, and to cowl, clear or throw out these gadgets,” Davis stated. “I encourage everybody to guard themselves from illnesses unfold by mosquitoes by utilizing EPA-registered mosquito repellent merchandise as directed, and put on clothes that covers your legs and arms.”

Well being officers say folks over 50 and people with continual medical circumstances, equivalent to most cancers and diabetes, can develop extreme an infection. There is no such thing as a vaccine for the virus.

Ten circumstances of West Nile virus have been reported in L.A. County this 12 months, excluding Lengthy Seashore and Pasadena as these cities have their very own well being departments.

Metropolis Information Service contributed to this report.