West Nile virus claims Kern County man, 85

The early outbreak of West Nile virus-related illnesses in California this summer has claimed a second life, that of an 85-year-old man from Kern County, officials said Tuesday.

Officials with the California Department of Public Health said 36 people in the state had been reported to have West Nile-related illnesses this year, compared with 16 cases by this time in 2006.

They largely blame the unusually hot, dry weather for the increase this West Nile season, which normally runs from July through September. But even increased home foreclosures -- which lead to untended swimming pools that help West Nile-infected mosquitoes multiply -- are playing a role.

Most of this year’s cases, 28, have come in Kern County. All of the others also have been in Central or Northern California, with the exception of one illness in Imperial County. The first Californian to die this year of a West Nile-related illness, an elderly woman, was also from Kern County.

Ken August, a spokesman for the California Department of Public Health, said fewer than 1% of people bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile become seriously ill. Once bitten by such a mosquito, most people develop long-term immunity to the virus.

August and other department officials urge taking such precautions as wearing insect repellent, installing tight-fitting screens in doors and windows, dressing to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and staying inside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

According to the department, the most severe symptoms of West Nile-related illness include high fever, headaches, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, comas, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The symptoms can last for several weeks. People older than 50 are at the greatest risk.

In 2006, the state reported 278 people with illnesses, including 13 in Los Angeles County, attributed to West Nile exposure. Seven of them died. The second fatality was reported Aug. 24, 2006, nearly a month later in the season than this year. More information is available at www.westnile.ca.gov.

stuart.silverstein@latimes.com