Santa Clara County has reported two cases of West Nile virus this month, including one death, according to a news release Wednesday.
The county’s first two confirmed cases this year were reported to public health officials. The person who died this month was an immunocompromised adult, county officials said. The other case is an adult who was initially hospitalized and is now recovering at home.
County officials said there is no known connection between the two cases.
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Health officials have not confirmed any cases in Santa Clara County or determined where they contracted the virus, but the county’s vector control agency has detected West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes in the county and conducted targeted spraying in those areas.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause mild to severe flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches, and in severe cases can lead to neurological symptoms and death, according to county health officials.
Most people who contract the virus experience mild or no symptoms and recover quickly, but people over 60 and those with certain medical conditions are more likely to become ill and develop complications.
Officials are advising residents to drain standing water and follow other recommendations. County Vector Control This is to reduce the mosquito population.
