Local Woman Dies From Probable Case of West Nile Virus

The San Marcos woman, who also had underlying medical conditions, died on Sept. 15.

A local woman has died from a probable case of West Nile virus, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

The San Marcos woman, who also had underlying medical conditions, died on Sept. 15. The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency says initial tests indicated that she may have died from West Nile virus but the findings have not yet been confirmed by the California Department of Public Health.

So far this season, there have been eight confirmed cases and three probable cases of the virus in San Diego County. All of the cases involved residents who had acquired the virus locally.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes who feed on birds carrying the virus. The species of mosquitoes that transmit the virus are different from those carrying the Zika virus.

According to the County News Center, the Vector Control Program in San Diego County has collected more infected dead birds and batches of mosquitoes this year compared to recent years. Last year, there were six deaths caused by the virus out of 44 reported human cases.

Last week, county health officials performed an aerial drop of larvicide on local waterways to prevent the virus from spreading.

The larvicide is not harmful to people or animals.

The county is advising residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. You can get more information here.

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