#Elderly Los Angeles patient dies from West Nile virus

A Los Angeles patient has died from the West Nile virus — marking what’s believed to be the first death this year from the mosquito-borne disease.

The elderly patient from the South Los Angeles area was hospitalized and died from a neuroinvasive disease associated with the virus, news station KTLA reported.

No further details were provided about how the patient contracted the illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had no virus-related deaths recorded for this year in figures that were last updated on Tuesday. In 2019, there were three deaths.

However, there have been at least 22 cases of West Nile in 11 states in 2020, the agency said.

Symptoms from the illness resemble the flu or food poisoning — and can include high fever, body aches and gastrointestinal issues, the CDC said.

The CDC said the most effective way to prevent the virus is to protect oneself from mosquitos.

“Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors,” the agency said.