Los Angeles County health officials confirmed the county’s first West Nile virus death of the year Wednesday, and are once again urging residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced that the patient, a resident of the San Fernando Valley, was hospitalized in early September and died from the neuroinvasive disease.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with this person’s family and friends during this sad time. This should remind all of us that West Nile virus is a serious disease,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, a Los Angeles County health officer.

Excluding Long Beach and Pasadena, which have their own health departments, a total of 38 West Nile cases have been documented this year within Los Angeles County, according to Department of Public Health officials.

In 2017, there were 268 cases of the virus in the county, and a record 27 deaths.

Related: How To Protect Your Family, Pets From Flea-Borne Typhus Bacteria

The virus is not spread through person-to-person contact or even from direct contact with birds or other animals infected with the virus, according to the health officials. In fact, the disease is spread after a mosquito bites an animal that carries the virus, with the virus then spreading to humans through the bite of the infected mosquito.

Officials have stated that proactive approaches, such as reducing mosquito breeding sources and using mosquito bite protections, are key to prevention

“Everyone should take precautions by using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered mosquito repellent when outside and checking weekly for items that collect standing water in their homes or yards where mosquitoes can breed,” said Davis. “Items that can hold water, even as small as a bottle cap, should be cleaned, covered or cleared out to stop mosquito breeding.”

The LA County Department of Public Health has shared some tips to decrease the risk of exposure:

1. Protect Yourself: Mosquito repellents can keep mosquitoes from biting you. EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the longest lasting and most effective. They are available as sprays, wipes and lotions. Find the repellent that’s right for you here. Consider wearing long-sleeved clothes and pants when outside.
2. Mosquito-Proof Your Home: Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
3. Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flowerpots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. Ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained.
4. Pools and Spas: Clean and maintain swimming pools and spas, and drain water from pool covers.

Persons over 50 years old and those with chronic medical conditions such as cancer and diabetes are at an increased risk, and becoming infected can result in infections of the brain, paralysis and even death, according to health officials.

There is no specific treatment for this disease and for many, recovery from the illness can take a year or more with ongoing physical and mental problems.

For more information about the West Nile virus, visit the county website here.

Where to call with questions about mosquitoes:

• Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District: (562) 944-9656
• Los Angeles County West Vector Control District: (310) 915-7370
• San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District: (626) 814-9466
• Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District: (661) 942-2917
• Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District: (310) 933- 5321
• Pasadena City Health Department: (626) 744-6004
• City of Long Beach Vector Control Program: (562) 570- 4132

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