From KCRA
September 10, 2018
(KCRA) — Two people in California have died from the West Nile virus, public health officials said Monday.
One person died in Glenn County and the other lived in Yuba County, according to the California Department of Public Health.
The virus — which is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito — is in a peak period, the health department said.
“We are still in a peak period of West Nile virus transmission in the state, so we urge everyone to take every possible precaution to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement.
As of Friday, the department said it had reported 56 human cases of the virus in 21 California counties this year.
While the risk of serious illness from the virus is low, people over the age of 60 have a higher chance of getting sick, the health department said. People with diabetes or hypertension are also more likely to suffer complications.