Infected Merced resident dies after catching West Nile Virus

MERCED, Calif ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A person is dead after being infected with the West Nile Virus in Merced, the Merced County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) announced Thursday.

According to officials, this is the first death in 2024 due to West Nile Virus in the City of Merced. The patient who died was described as a senior citizen and subsequently had a higher risk of infection.

“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 mosquitoes.”

Officials say the virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito; mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds infected with the virus.

According to the CDC, only about 20% people who are infected develop symptoms for West Nile Virus, which may include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. One in 150 people develop more severe symptoms including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent or specifically treat the virus; however, MCDPH says there are still ways residents can protect themselves.

“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 are encouraged to contact Merced County Mosquito Abatement District at 209-722-1527 or visit www.mcmosquito.org .

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