Delaware’s Division of Public Health announced the state’s first West Nile Virus-related death in over 6 years Wednesday.
The victim is a 73-year-old New Castle County man who had been hospitalized since late August.
This is Delaware’s first West Nile-related death since 2012, when a 76-year-old New Castle County woman died from the disease.
DPH has confirmed five cases of the mosquito borne disease this year. Four were in New Castle County and one in Sussex. All involved men between 57 and 75 years old.
State health officials say peak mosquito season doesn’t end for another month - and people should continue to do what they can to prevent mosquito bites. That includes using insect repellent when outdoors.
They also note the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk to contract West Nile Virus.
