Reyna Rodriguez, CA

Girl Who Contracted West Nile Virus Remains Hospitalized
Girl Cannot Walk Or Talk

POSTED: 6:07 pm PST November 11, 2005
UPDATED: 6:22 pm PST November 11, 2005

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- A 13-year-old girl who fell into a coma from West Nile virus remains hospitalized, unable to walk or talk, but her mother is hopeful she will get better.

Reyna Rodriguez was bitten by a mosquito in late August, but did not know she had the disease. Two weeks later, the Wilmington resident was admitted to a hospital with a high fever and rash.

Rodriguez became comatose as a result of a brain infection caused by the virus. She is now awake, but requires 24-hour care.

Maria Gonzalez, Rodriguez's mother, said her daughter communicates through slight movement of her fingers.

Health officials said most people do not get nearly as sick from West Nile virus, which is carried by mosquitoes that infect humans through their bite. There have been 41 reported human cases of West Nile virus in Los Angeles County this year and no deaths, although statewide, at least two people have died from the disease.

About 20 percent of infected people develop a mild illness, while 80 percent have no symptoms and recover on their own, county health officials said. Symptoms generally last three to six days and may include headache, rash, vomiting, nausea or eye pain.

Victims might develop paralysis, headaches, convulsions or fall into a coma.