Public Health Confirms First West Nile Virus Death of 2024 in Merced County

The Merced County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first death in 2024 due to West Nile Virus (WNV) in the City of Merced.

The patient was an elderly individual, and seniors are often considered to be at higher risk upon infection. To protect the confidentiality of the person, no other details regarding the individual or the individual's illness will be released.

"We send our deepest condolences to the friends and family of this individual who tragically passed away upon contracting West Nile Virus," said Dr. Salvador Sandoval, Merced County Health Officer. "This unfortunate passing reinforces the importance of reducing our exposure to mosquitos."

WNV is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitos become infected when they feed on birds infected with WNV. Infected mosquitos can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.

Mild symptoms of West Nile Virus can include fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, and vomiting. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In people with milder symptoms, fever and aches will usually go away on their own. In more severe cases, people may need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing, and nursing care.

"The best way to protect yourself and your family against West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites, by avoiding spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk), wearing DEET-based insect repellent when outdoors, and emptying standing pools of water as they can serve as a breeding site for mosquitoes," Sandoval said.

To report mosquito breeding areas, Merced County community members should contact Merced County Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 722-1527 or visit the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District website.

For inquiries regarding WNV and human infections, community members can call the Merced County Department of Public Health at (209) 381-1023.

For more information on WNV, visit the CDC West Nile page or California West Nile website.

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