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San Diego County records its first West Nile virus death since 2007

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A 78-year-old man in La Mesa has died of West Nile virus as the state continues to suffer its worst outbreak of the mosquito-spread brain infection in nearly a decade.

The death was the first in San Diego County from West Nile virus since 2007, health officials said. Three other persons in the county are being treated for suspected West Nile infections.

Statewide 608 cases of West Nile virus have been reported this year, the highest since 2005. Twenty persons have died.

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In Los Angeles County, 159 cases have been reported, in Orange County, 216. San Diego County has had seven confirmed cases, officials said.

The La Mesa man was admitted to a hospital on Oct. 6 and died four days later.

Under the “Prevent, Protect, Report” program, health officials advise clearing away standing water that can be a breeding spot for mosquitos.

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