NEVADA COUNTY (KRON) — An elderly person has died from exposure to West Nile virus.
It is the first case confirmed in California. Health officials would only say the victim was a senior citizen in Nevada County.
West Nile virus is spread to humans by mosquitoes and birds. It can cause serious problems including meningitis and encephalitis.
Marin and Sonoma vector control officials have found two cases of contaminated mosquitoes.
In revealing the case Monday, a state health officer said “the death is a tragic reminder of how severe West Nile virus disease can be.”