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Pandemic Not Only Health Concern For Central, South Coasts; West Nile Virus Is Back

A mosquito potentially carrying West Nile Virus
(Centers for Disease Control photo)
A mosquito potentially carrying West Nile Virus

First WNV death of year in state is in San Luis Obispo County

The pandemic may be easing on the Central and South Coasts, but there’s new concern about a different kind of disease. The first confirmed West Nile Virus death in the state this year occurred in San Luis Obispo County.

The disease is transmitted by infected mosquitos. People over 50, and those with preexisting health conditions are at greater risk.

Last year, there were 260 confirmed West Nile cases in the state, with 11 deaths.

Public health officials say with warmer weather here, people should protect themselves again mosquito bites, and potential exposure to the disease by using insect repellent, and wearing protective clothing.

Lance Orozco has been News Director of KCLU since 2001, providing award-winning coverage of some of the biggest news events in the region, including the Thomas and Woolsey brush fires, the deadly Montecito debris flow, the Borderline Bar and Grill attack, and Ronald Reagan's funeral.