First case of West Nile virus reported in Los Angeles County

A San Gabriel Valley resident is the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Los Angeles County this year, health officials reported.

At least four other human cases have been reported in California this year.

The patient in the L.A. County case was hospitalized earlier this month and suffers from other chronic health conditions not related to West Nile virus. The patient is now home and expected to recover, Los Angeles County public health officials said.

West Nile Virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, which get it from birds. About 20% of infected people show symptoms, which can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches and rashes. Less than one in 150 people become severely ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Very... [via La Times]