The Lengthy Seashore Division of Well being and Human Companies confirmed the town’s first case of St. Louis Encephalitis — a mosquito-borne virus with signs akin to West Nile virus — on Thursday, Nov. 9.
It’s the primary documented case of St. Louis Encephalitis, or SLEV, in Lengthy Seashore since 1984, the well being division stated Thursday. Town’s announcement got here a bit greater than every week after it confirmed a case of dengue fever.
The one that was contaminated is recovering after being hospitalized, the announcement stated, and no different instances have been recognized within the metropolis thus far.
SLE is never seen in Los Angeles or in California typically. The state has recognized 12 human instances of the illness in 2023 as of early November, in line with the well being division.
SLE is a illness that’s brought on by the St. Louis Encephalitis virus and is unfold to folks by the bites of contaminated culex mosquitoes. It’s in the identical virus household as West Nile virus, with comparable signs and transmission, however is much less frequent in California. It’s not unfold from individual to individual.
Most people who find themselves contaminated won’t expertise signs, however those that do sometimes have gentle signs that will embrace fever, headache and nausea.
Individuals older than 50 and people with underlying well being circumstances are at greater threat of extreme SLEV, in line with the well being division’s web site, which might have an effect on the mind, trigger stiff neck, confusion, dizziness and typically dying.
The illness is unfold by culex mosquitos, and isn’t transmissible between folks.
“We’re working diligently with well being care suppliers to teach the group to stop extra instances of SLEV,” Mayor Rex Richardson stated within the announcement. “Mosquito management is a shared accountability and residents should take an lively function in lowering the specter of mosquito-borne sicknesses of their neighborhoods.”
SLEV-carrying mosquitos are most lively at nightfall and daybreak.
Residents are inspired to take protecting measures to stop mosquito bites, resembling utilizing satisfactory mosquito repellent, sporting long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants, and eliminating standing water.
“The primary affirmation of SLEV in Lengthy Seashore ought to function a reminder that we have to shield ourselves towards mosquitoes,” stated Metropolis Well being Officer Dr. Anissa Davis stated. “The well being division encourages everybody to proceed reporting points concerning mosquito management of their space.”
Extra details about the illness and mosquito prevention measures is out there longbeach.gov/SLEV.
