San Bernardino, CA, November 6, 2012, 6am – The County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health has confirmed the first human death from West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2012. A total of 19 symptomatic human cases have been confirmed so far this year. The public should take appropriate precautionary measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites. People over 50 years old should be especially cautious, as they are more likely to develop serious illness if they contract the virus. WNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. Signs and symptoms of WNV may include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headache. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms, however, some people may develop severe symptoms which can lead to brain inflammation or paralysis.
For more information on West Nile Virus, call the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health at 1 (800) 722-4794, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.