Pasadena reports first case of West Nile virus – NBC Los Angeles

The Pasadena Public Health Department today reported the city’s first case of West Nile virus in a human.

The actual confirmation was made Thursday and no details were released about the circumstances or condition of the person suffering from the virus, according to Pasadena spokeswoman Lisa Derderian.

West Nile virus is commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and many people never experience the flu-like symptoms that can result.

Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Severe illness can affect the central nervous symptom and result in hospitalization or death.

Mosquito season typically runs from June through October and the number of human cases often peaks in late August to early September, the CDC said.

“There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus in humans,” said Dr. Parveen Kaur, acting-Pasadena Health Officer. “By taking preventive measures, we can reduce the risk of infection and help protect our community.”

Those measures include getting rid of stagnant water around homes and businesses, getting rid of containers in which that water can accumulate, making sure there are no holes in window and door screens, wearing long pants and sleeves and using insect repellent with  Picaridin, DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD) or IR3535, Pasadena health officials said.

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous United States, the CDC said.

More than 1,300 people develop severe illness that affects the central nervous system and more than 130 people die. All states in the continuous United States have reported West Nile cases, the CDC said.