LOS ANGELES, August 17- The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed today that a man diagnosed with West Nile virus died early last month, the first death associated with the mosquito borne illness in the county for 2007.

The LA County also confirmed two non-fatal cases of West Nile Virus, bringing the total in the county for 2007 to 4.

The fatal case involves a man in his 80's who lived in the San Fernando Valley.   He died following a brief hospitalization.   But health officials are not certain how much the mosquito-borne West Nile virus attributed to his death because he had multiple, chronic medical problems.

"The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications and death from West Nile Virus than others," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer.

The latest two nonfatal cases include a middle aged man, living in the San Fernando Valley, who was diagnosed with the virus in mid-July, and an elderly man in the central Los Angeles area who became ill earlier this month. Both were hospitalized briefly and are recovering at home.

The first West Nile virus human case in the county was reported last week.

"It is important to remember that West Nile can appear anywhere in Los Angeles County or the state. The West Nile Virus has been detected in birds and mosquitoes in several areas throughout the county," said Dr. Fielding.

In Los Angeles County, 7 samples of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to www.westnile.ca.gov.

"We continue to urge people of all ages to take precautions, such as avoiding mosquitoes, removing pools of stagnant water around their homes, and using a repellant containing DEET when outdoors in mosquito prone areas, especially around dawn or dusk."

As of Friday August 17, the State of California has reported 120 human cases of West Nile virus from 21 counties and 7 deaths from West Nile virus from four counties including Colusa (1), Kern (3), Kings (1), Los Angeles (1), and San Joaquin (1) counties.   Last year at this time, 68 people reportedly suffered from the virus.

West Nile virus is much more active this year than last year.   On August 13, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger again signed an executive order providing up to $10 million in additional emergency relief for local mosquito control agencies.

Nationwide, as of August 14, a total of 444 human cases of West Nile virus and 15 deaths associated with the virus have been recorded, the CDC reported on August 17.

People get West Nile Virus WNV through a bite of an infected mosquito, the county health officials said. Most mosquitoes are not infected with the virus and most people bitten by a mosquito may not contract the virus.

Among those who are infected with West Nile, about 20 percent show very mild symptoms including fever, headache, nausea, body aches, and a mild skin rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The incubation period could range from 3 to 12 days.

Eighty percent, however, do not show any symptoms.   Only fewer than one in 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito become severely ill, the LA county health officials said, citing the CDC. The elderly are at high risk for severe cases of the West Nile illness.

Like many viral infections, there is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus.

Following preventive measures against mosquito bites, people can decrease their risk of West Nile virus infection. The Los Angele County recommends the following:

Avoid mosquito-infested areas at dawn and dusk.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.

Repellants containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, when used as labeled, are effective defenses.

Ensure your window screens don't have holes.

Do not allow water to stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, swimming pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, etc. These are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; drain water from pool covers.

Stock garden ponds with goldfish or mosquito fish. They eat mosquito eggs and larvae.

Empty and wash birdbaths and wading pools weekly.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has established a toll- free information line that will provide callers with updated information on West Nile Virus within the county. Concerned residents may call 1-800-975-4448.