Stanislaus County man dies of West Nile virus

A 90-year-old man has died from the West Nile virus, Stanislaus County officials reported Tuesday.

No information about the man’s identity or where he lived was released, but authorities said it was the fifth fatality this year related to West Nile in California.

“We all grieve the death of this gentleman,” Dr. John Walker, the county’s public health officer, said in a news release. “The WNV season extends into October in Stanislaus County, so it is important for residents to continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”

Authorities recommend that residents take the following steps:

▪ Eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.

▪ Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active: at dawn, dusk and especially for the first two hours after sunset.

▪ When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing.

▪ Avoid mosquitoes in homes with tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.

▪ Apply insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET when outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control also recommend insect repellants containing oil of lemon eucalyptus and Picaridin.

For more information on West Nile virus, call the hotline at 209-558-8425 or visit www.stanemergency.com.

This story was originally published September 27, 2016 at 4:27 PM with the headline "Stanislaus County man dies of West Nile virus."