Imperial Valley man dies from West Nile virus complications

Imperial County’s Vector Control Program is on high alert following the death of an Imperial Valley resident that died of the West Nile Virus.

The Mosquito Vector Control Association of California helps prevent diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, they say the Salton Sea resident is the first person in the state to die of the virus.

Local health officials are advising residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.

“West Nile is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito,” said Karla Lopez, Imperial County Public Health Department Epidemiologist.

The Imperial County Public Health Department confirmed the elderly man died of West Nile complications.

They said he was exposed to the virus sometime in late May through June of this year.

Lopez says most people infected with the virus don’t present any symptoms.

“There is a percentage that present a mild presentation of symptoms, which is fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain and usually people recover from these symptoms, but there is a percentage that have more severe symptoms,” said Lopez.

Lopez says people who present more severe symptoms can be at risk of dying.

County health officials say it’s unclear where the individual was infected.

The man’s family reported that he was traveling throughout Southern California when he was exposed to the virus. They also confirmed that he had several mosquito bites.

” The mosquito is more active during certain times of the day, very early in the morning or at dusk. If we are planning to be outside during the day we should use long sleeves and pants. Make sure screens from windows are in good condition and repair any holes they might have. Check their property if they have any standing water because it can be a breeding source for mosquitoes, ” said Lopez.

County health officials also advise to use insect repellent when outdoors.

Seeley resident Bill Reidy says mosquitoes are very active during this time of the year, but they’re not stopping him from going fishing.

“Thirty minutes before sun down and thirty minutes after sun down that’s the worst time, I use repellent with deet , that’s about all you can use,” said Reidy .

The County’s Vector Control Program says they haven’t detected any infected mosquitoes, but they will continue to test mosquito pools in the area where the man died.

For more detailed information on the West Nile virus and areas where it has been detected, visit the West Nile website.