A Merced man has died from the West Nile virus, the first time a county resident has been killed by the mosquito-borne disease.
Allan Inman, manager of the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District, said his office would increase spraying in light of the death, which was announced Thursday.
West Nile is a mosquito-borne disease that began in Africa and the Middle East. It's been in the U.S. since 1999. Although most people who develop the virus display no symptoms at all, a tiny percentage get neurological symptoms, and a few die.
The death is the first case this year of a person in the county contracting the disease. Fresno County also announced a death caused by the West Nile virus.
The victim lived in downtown Merced, which hasn't been considered a hotbed for mosquito activity because of the urban landscape, Inman explained. North Merced, with its open fields, is considered a ripe place for the disease.
"We are frankly puzzled by this," Inman said. "It just goes to show that all it takes is one infected mosquito."
Inman is trying to determine if there was an abandoned pool nearby that may have become a breeding ground for the bugs. So far, he hasn't found one.
In response to the death, a plane will spray a four-square-mile section of downtown tonight.
Merced County Health Department program manager Richard Rios said the victim was an adult man who began showing symptoms July 28 and was hospitalized Aug. 3. He died Aug. 17.
Lab tests came back positive for the disease Wednesday, he said, adding the man suffered from underlying medical problems that made him more susceptible to problems from the disease.
People at most risk of getting the disease are those over the age of 45 and people with weakened immune systems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted in 2005 that Merced County would be a hotbed for the West Nile virus, with seven to 14 deaths a year, Inman said. That hasn't happened, in part, because of an aggressive campaign to kill mosquitoes, he added.
The number of West Nile virus cases statewide has declined from last year, county spokeswoman Katie Albertson said.
So far this month, 36 people in 10 counties have been diagnosed with the disease. Last year, there were 193 human cases.
People should avoid going outside for the first two hours after sunset to reduce the likelihood of being bit by a mosquito.
If going outside is necessary, it's recommended that people wear long sleeves and pants and apply a bug repellant containing DEET, picaradin or lemon eucalyptus oil.
Residents should also prevent standing water, which tends to attract mosquitoes.
Daytime mosquitoes generally don't carry the virus.
Public health officials can track the disease by testing dead birds. People are asked to report dead birds by calling (877) 968-2473.
Reporter Scott Jason can be reached at (209) 385-2453 or sjason@mercedsun-star.com.
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