"The first recorded death from West Nile virus this year in L.A. County was confirmed Friday by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The individual, whose details have been kept anonymous, was hospitalized in the San Fernando Valley for neurological illness caused by the mosquito-borne virus. In Southern California, October is the middle of mosquito season. Across Los Angeles County, 14 West Nile virus infections have been documented in 2025; half have been in the San Fernando Valley."
"L.A. has had an average of 58 West Nile infections per year since 2020, with an average of one death per year, according to data from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. West Nile virus affects around 2,000 Americans a year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Viral infection can a number of symptoms, with mild illness symptoms consisting of fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, rash or diarrhea, the CDC says."
A first recorded West Nile virus death in L.A. County involved an anonymous individual hospitalized in the San Fernando Valley for neurological illness. October is the middle of mosquito season in Southern California. Fourteen West Nile infections have been documented in Los Angeles County in 2025, with half occurring in the San Fernando Valley. L.A. averages about 58 infections and one death per year since 2020. West Nile virus affects roughly 2,000 Americans annually and can cause mild symptoms like fever, headache and vomiting or severe neurological outcomes that can be permanent or fatal. Multiple Culex mosquito species that carry the virus are found throughout the county. Recent water outages, low rainfall and drought in the San Fernando Valley have been associated with increased risk; a 2025 NIH study showed droughts reduced overall mosquito populations and standing water while consolidating infected mosquitoes.
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