County: West Nile Virus Strikes 2 Men

Two men in Los Angeles County have tested positive for West Nile virus, said health officials Monday, marking the county's first reported human cases of the year.

Both middle-aged men had preexisting health conditions and were hospitalized, according to officials who didn’t release the men’s identities but did report they are recovering.

As of Friday, West Nile virus has been detected this season in 45 dead birds and 115 mosquito samples throughout L.A. County—the highest seen since the last epidemic year in 2008, said Suzanne Kluh, director of scientific technical services at the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District in a statement Monday.

"We are urging residents to take notice of the elevated level of activity this summer and protect themselves,” Kluh said.

Researchers have said that West Nile virus is spread when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a person, who might not even become sick or only have mild symptoms, such as a headache or skin rash.

Fewer than one in 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito become severely ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In rare cases, the virus can cause death, especially in young children, the elderly, or those with weak immune systems.

California reported to the CDC last year the fourth highest number of statewide West Nile virus cases in humans that were neuroinvasive (which refers to severe cases of disease that affect a person’s nervous system.)

The following 10 states reported the most incidents of these severe cases last year:

2010 West Nile virus human infections report (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

"West Nile Virus can appear anywhere in Los Angeles County or around the state. We urge residents to get rid of pools of stagnant water around their homes, where mosquitoes breed. Use a repellent containing DEET, or another approved repellent, when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas, especially around dawn or dusk," said county Director of Public Health and Health Officer Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding.

Here are other suggestions:

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; drain water from pool covers.
• Stock garden ponds with goldfish or other mosquito-eating fish. These eat mosquito eggs and larvae.
• Empty and wash birdbaths and wading pools weekly.
• Avoid mosquito-infested areas at dawn and dusk.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
• Check your window screens for holes.
• Do not allow water to collect and stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, swimming pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, or other containers. These are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.