West Nile Virus in United States (California)

23 Oct 2014

The Department of Public Health for California has reported 46 new human cases of West Nile virus infection (WNV) in the past week. The total number of cases for 2014, now stands at 608. The worst affected county in the state is Los Angeles with more than 50% of the new cases (24) reported in the past week. Other counties reporting cases include: Colusa (1), Kern (1), Orange (14), Placer (2), San Diego (1), Stanislaus (2), and Yolo (1).

There have been 20 fatal cases of WNV recorded in 2014.

Advice for Travellers

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV. Infection is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, therefore avoidance of mosquito bites is essential, by covering up and the use of bite avoidance measures.

• Further information on insect bite avoidance.