An elderly woman in Butte County is the first in California to die from West Nile virus this year, state health officials confirmed Thursday.
The woman suffered from an undisclosed underlying chronic health condition, Butte County health officials said.
The Northern California county, which includes Chico, has reported six human cases of the virus, including two people who developed a severe neurological disease.
As of Thursday, 46 counties statewide have reported signs of the virus. At least 58 people from 14 counties have become ill after being exposed to it.
“For most people, the risk of serious illness from West Nile virus is low, but this woman’s death reminds us that we must take precautions to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites,” said Dr. Mark Horton, California’s health officer.
Most who are infected will not experience any symptoms. Recent studies indicate that those with diabetes or hypertension are at greatest risk of developing complications from the virus, the state reported. The elderly are also more likely to fall ill if they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
Health officials advise wearing insect repellent and repairing torn screens and doors. Removing any standing water where mosquitoes like to breed can also reduce risk of contracting the virus.
The West Nile virus season typically runs through October.
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