OC’s first human case of West Nile virus reported in Anaheim

An Anaheim resident has been infected with West Nile virus, making them the first human to contract the virus in Orange County this year. The case was reported by the Orange County Health Care Agency on Aug. 5. West Nile virus is endemic to Orange County, which means it is not unusual for the county to see several human cases of the virus each year.

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms, but about 20% will develop fever and may have headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness and sometimes a skin rash. More serious symptoms, such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or paralysis, occur more rarely, but people who develop these symptoms should seek medical care immediately. People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from infection.