L.A. County Health officials have reported 100 cases of West Nile Virus, the most since 2017, when there were a total of 268 cases across the season. West Nile Virus is spread by mosquitoes and can cause severe illness that affects the brain and spinal cord: roughly 90 of those infected have been diagnosed with a neuroinvasive disease this year, and five have died. Last year, there were only 22 cases and 2 deaths across the entire season. According to the CDC, West Nile Virus is fatal for 1 out of 10 patients who develop severe neuroinvasive disease.
Experts warn that the number of cases may be fueled by the high-humidity climate caused by El Niño. Dr. Photini Sinnis with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health said that “[the mosquitoes’] lifespan is determined by humidity, so if you have humidity, the infected mosquitoes will live longer and infect more people.” Mosquito season typically runs from June to October, but El Niño climate conditions have the potential to extend the season.
According to the CDC, symptoms typically develop 2-6 days after being bitten, and in mild cases, can include: fevers, headaches, body aches, joint pain, diarrhea, or rashes. In more severe cases, patients may experience neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation and muscle weakness, with some effects having the potential to be permanent. Individuals over the age of 50 and those with preexisting conditions are at greater risk of developing serious illness.
The CDC states that the best way to prevent infection is by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. Experts advise that wearing an EPA-registered insect repellent, using screens on windows and doors, eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, and wearing loose-fitting long clothing are the best ways to avoid bites. There is currently no vaccine or medication available to treat West Nile Virus.
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