1 Dead, 1 Recovering From West Nile Virus In Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Public health officials have confirmed Santa Clara County's first two cases of West Nile virus in human patients, including one person who died from complications this month.

According to the Public Health Department, there is no known connection between the two patients, and the person who died was an immunocompromised adult who was hospitalized after falling ill. The second patient also required hospitalization but is now recovering at home, officials said.

"Because both individuals are Santa Clara County residents, the illnesses were reported to the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department," the agency said Tuesday. "It is undetermined if the infections were contracted in Santa Clara County or elsewhere."

The two Santa Clara County cases follow a West Nile death reported last month in Contra Costa County, which officials said was their first fatality linked to the virus since 2006.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease, and infections can cause mild to severe flu-like symptoms. While most people experience mild symptoms, more serious cases can present neurological issues and cause fatal complications. According to the health department, people over 60 or with certain medical conditions can be at greater risk than the broader population.

Health officials ask residents to help reduce the risk of West Nile by draining standing water around their property and following other prevention tips outlined by the Vector Control District. The district regularly treats areas in Santa Clara County to reduce mosquito populations in areas where West Nile has been detected.

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