U.S. health officials said the Los Angeles area has seen the highest number of human infections by West Niles virus this year in its history, with 131 reported cases and three deaths. [Xinhuanet Photo]

 

The Los Angeles area has seen the highest number of human infections by West Nile virus this year in its history, with 131 reported cases and three deaths, health officials said on Thursday.

"All of Los Angeles County is considered endemic with West Nile virus," said Robert Saviskas, executive director of the Los Angeles County West Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Control District.

Elderly people or those with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to West Nile virus, which can cause fever, encephalitis or meningitis.

Most people in good health who contract the virus do not show any symptoms and recover quickly, Saviskas said.

Seven Californians have died this year of the virus, which is transmitted by mosquito bites. There have been 345 reported human cases of West Nile virus this year in the state, according to the California Department of Public Health.

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2008)