Officials confirmed on Wednesday the first human death in Sacramento County as a result of the West Nile virus.
A 74-year-old woman who had an underlying chronic disease was hospitalized and died from the virus, Sacramento County officials said.
'This is a very sad outcome, one we had hoped to prevent,' said Olivia Kasirye, M.D., health officer for Sacramento County.' We are working to educate people about steps that can be taken to prevent contracting West Nile virus.'
Seven additional cases of West Nile virus are under investigation in Sacramento County.
The virus was first detected in some birds in Sacramento County in July 2004 and the first human case was reported in the county in October 2004. There were a total of three human cases that year.
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Control District will be spraying for mosquitos for two days over the Davis and Woodland area beginning Wednesday evening.
