1st Calif. West Nile death reported for 2012 | News

SACRAMENTO, CA - Public health authorities remind everyone to take precautions as additional human and animal cases of West Nile are detected.

An 88-year-old woman from Kern County is the first reported fatality from West Nile virus this year, Dr. Ron Chapman, California public health director, said Friday.

Also on Friday, San Joaquin County reported a new case of a woman in her 70s who contracted the virus who required hospitalization, and an unvaccinated horse with the disease.

In Sacramento County, Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District said Friday there have been 454 dead birds, 13 sentinel chickens, 320 mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus this year while Yolo County has had 38 dead birds and 20 positive mosquito samples.

The infection is contracted through the bite of a mosquito infected with West Nile virus.

Officials remind everyone to remove standing water where mosquitoes breed. Try to avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Outside, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535.

Additional information can be found on the California West Nile virus website.