Due to a recent uptick in West Nile virus (WNV) cases, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents to protect themselves and their communities by taking the proper precautions.
Since Long Beach’s first human case of WNV was reported in June, 16 human cases have been reported in Long Beach as of Aug. 28. Of these cases, 69% involved neuroinvasive disease, a severe form of illness that affects the brain or nervous system, and 81% required hospitalization.
This year’s total represents the highest number of human WNV cases identified in Long Beach since 56 cases were reported in 2014.
As of Aug. 28, there are 65 human cases of WNV in the state, according to the California Department of Public Health. Updated case totals are published every Friday at westnile.ca.gov.
Alongside the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District, the Long Beach Health Department continues its efforts to reduce mosquito activity through surveillance and mosquito-control efforts.
WNV is transmitted to people via the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes. Though most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, potential symptoms can include the following:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Rash
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
According to the City’s Health Department, around one in 150 infected people may develop a more serious disease, including brain inflammation, paralysis or death. People experiencing severe symptoms, such as high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or paralysis, are advised to seek medical care immediately.
Those at higher risk for severe illness include people who are over 55 years old, people living with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or kidney and people taking medications that weaken the immune system. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV.
Local health officials anticipate WNV activity to continue through early fall, with cases typically peaking in September. While WNV remains a threat, City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada strongly recommends residents take the following precautions:
- Prevent mosquito bites by applying insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus, according to the label directions, before going outside.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if spending time outside at dawn and dusk, when WNV-carrying mosquitoes are most active.
- Install or repair door and window screens.
- Dump, drain and scrub containers that collect standing water around your home.
- Flush and clean outdoor drains regularly with a hose to prevent stagnant water from pooling.
- Remove debris, trash and dirt around the exterior of drains, gutters and curbs to allow water to flow.
- Avoid bare-handed contact with dead birds. Report dead birds online or call 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).
To learn more about mosquito bite prevention, call the Mosquito Hotline at 562-570-4132 or visit longbeach.gov/WNV. For further updates and prevention information, check out @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Instagram, Facebook and X.
