West Nile Virus Kills 28 People In California In 2015
SACRAMENTO (KCBS) -- California health officials say 28 people have died from West Nile virus so far this year.
That's according to the latest numbers from the state Department of Public Health. Overall, more than 500 people have tested positive for the virus so far in 2015.
Health officials say many of those who died this year were senior citizens who are at a higher risk of getting sick and developing complications.
Last year, a record 31 people died from West Nile.
West Nile is a mosquito-borne arbovirus. There is no vaccine. Risk of infection can be reduced by using mosquito repellant and wearing protective clothing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness, fatigue and weakness.
About 10% of the cases of West Nile infection prove fatal.
