Sutter County Woman Dies From West Nile Virus

YUBA CITY (CBS13) – A Sutter County woman has died from West Nile Virus becoming the County's first ever fatality from the mosquito-born illness, according to officials.

The woman died in September, however, her death was not linked to West Nile Virus (WNV) until recently.

Six human cases of WNV had been previously reported this year in Sutter County. Health officials say the risk of WNV infection from mosquito bites continues into late fall until cold weather hits.

They recommend people take steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by wearing mosquito repellents and avoid going outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Also, make sure your windows and doors have screens and that standing water around your home is drained.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In rare cases, it can develop into a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.