WASHINGTON, Nov 11, (Agencies): The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services in California on Thursday officially verified the initial case of a person contracting St Louis Encephalitis since the year 1984.

St Louis Encephalitis (SLEV) is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of infected culex mosquitoes. The Center for Disease Control reports that the majority of individuals infected with SLEV do not display symptoms. However, those who do may exhibit fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

A recent announcement from the department's health officials disclosed that the infected individual had been hospitalized but is now on the path to recovery at home. Thankfully, no additional cases have been identified at present.

Mayor Rex Richardson of Long Beach emphasized the city's commitment to preventing further instances of SLEV by actively collaborating with healthcare providers to educate the community. In a statement, Mayor Richardson stressed, “Mosquito control is a shared responsibility, and residents must play an active role in reducing the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses in their neighborhoods.”

As of November 2023, the state of California has recorded 12 additional cases of St Louis Encephalitis. The press release also highlights that mosquitoes transmitting the virus are most active during dusk and dawn.

The health department is persistently working alongside officials to monitor the situation, and currently, no mosquito samples have tested positive for SLEV.

Health officer Anissa Davis underscored the importance of the situation, stating, "The first confirmation of SLEV in Long Beach should remind us of the need to protect ourselves against mosquitoes." Davis encouraged everyone to continue reporting concerns related to mosquito control in their respective areas, as the Health Department diligently addresses the ongoing situation.