First human case of West Nile virus this year found in Del Mar

DEL MAR - A 73-year-old Del Mar man has been confirmed as the first locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus this year, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency announced today, Mon., Aug. 24.

The man was admitted to a local hospital on Aug. 2 after experiencing symptoms of encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that can be caused by viral or bacterial infection. He remains hospitalized. Testing by the California Department of Public Health Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory confirmed late last week that he has West Nile virus.

West Nile virus is carried by mosquit...