The woman from Orange County died from complications associated with the fatal flu-like illness spread by mosquitoes. Her death came after health officials warned that the risk of contracting West Nile virus from mosquito bites is the highest in four years.
So far this year, 98 people from throughout the state have suffered from the potentially serious illness, authorities say. West Nile virus activities were reported in 38 of California's 58 counties. The virus also has been found in 1,295 dead birds in the state; 1,101 mosquito samples; five horses; 109 chickens and nine squirrels, according to health officials.
Most often, West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and animals when they bite.
This year, the risk of humans being infected is the highest in California since 2004 when more than 700 people were infected and 21 of them died. Though most people infected with the virus will not fall sick, the elderly and those with diabetes and/or hypertension have the greatest risk of becoming ill.
The flu-like symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last for several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
Physicians warn Californians to cover their skin or wear repellent in the early morning and evening when mosquitoes that carry the virus bite. Health department officials also recommend that doors and windows should have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.
