Perris Man Is State’s 2nd West Nile Victim of 2005

An 84-year-old Perris man has been identified as the second person in California this year to die of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, health officials said Tuesday.

“It’s difficult to predict at this time whether this season will be worse or equal to ... the previous year,” said Barbara Cole, director for disease control for the Riverside County Department of Public Health. But the incidence of infected “sentinel” animals, which are left in an exposed spot and examined for the virus, is “starting to pick up,” Cole said.

An elderly man in Kings County in Northern California was identified last week as the state’s first West Nile victim of the year.

Some experts believe Central and Northern California will bear the brunt of the disease this year, which was concentrated in Southern California in 2004.

This is Riverside County’s ninth reported West Nile case this year; last year 116 people were reported infected in the county, and two died from the disease. Los Angeles County had 331 cases in 2004, Orange County had 64, and San Bernardino County had 197.

Across the state, at least 31 people have been infected with West Nile this year, according to the state Department of Health Services.

The disease is spread to humans and animals by mosquitoes that carry the virus after biting infected birds. Although only one in 150 people will develop complications from West Nile, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk, Cole said.

People can help avoid West Nile by emptying standing water in which mosquitoes can breed, using insect repellent, repairing house screens and wearing long sleeves and pants outside.

The Perris man, who suffered serious health problems that may have weakened his immune system, died in mid-July.

Although it is not known precisely where or when the man was infected, he enjoyed outdoor activities including gardening, Cole said.