Southern California confirms 1st human case of mosquito-borne St. Louis Encephalitis since 1984

The Lengthy Seashore Division of Well being and Human Companies confirmed town’s first case of St. Louis Encephalitis — a mosquito-borne virus with signs akin to West Nile virus — on Thursday, Nov. 9.

It’s the primary documented case of St. Louis Encephalitis, or SLEV, in Lengthy Seashore since 1984, the well being division stated Thursday. The town’s announcement got here slightly greater than every week after it confirmed a case of dengue fever.

The one that was contaminated is recovering after being hospitalized, the announcement stated, and no different instances have been recognized within the metropolis up to now.

SLE isn’t seen in Los Angeles or in California typically. The state has recognized 12 human instances of the illness in 2023 as of early November, in keeping with the well being division.

SLE is a illness that’s brought on by the St. Louis Encephalitis virus and is unfold to individuals by the bites of contaminated culex mosquitoes. It’s in the identical virus household as West Nile virus, with related signs and transmission, however is much less frequent in California. It’s not unfold from individual to individual.

Most people who find themselves contaminated won’t expertise signs, however those that do sometimes have gentle signs that will embody fever, headache and nausea.

Individuals older than 50 and people with underlying well being circumstances are at greater danger of extreme SLEV, in keeping with the well being division’s web site, which might have an effect on the mind, trigger stiff neck, confusion, dizziness and generally loss of life.

The illness is unfold by culex mosquitos, and isn’t transmissible between individuals.

“We’re working diligently with well being care suppliers to coach the neighborhood to stop extra instances of SLEV,” Mayor Rex Richardson stated within the announcement. “Mosquito management is a shared duty and residents should take an lively position in decreasing the specter of mosquito-borne diseases of their neighborhoods.”

SLEV-carrying mosquitos are most lively at nightfall and daybreak.

Residents are inspired to take protecting measures to stop mosquito bites, resembling utilizing enough mosquito repellent, sporting long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants, and eliminating standing water.

“The primary affirmation of SLEV in Lengthy Seashore ought to function a reminder that we have to shield ourselves towards mosquitoes,” stated Metropolis Well being Officer Dr. Anissa Davis stated. “The well being division encourages everybody to proceed reporting points concerning mosquito management of their space.”

Extra details about the illness and mosquito prevention measures is offered longbeach.gov/SLEV.

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