Anaheim Grandfather, 61, Dies After Contracting West Nile Virus as County Sees Record-High Infections

Daniel Clavel, a 61-year-old resident of Anaheim, Calif., died after spending 24 days in intensive care following a diagnosis of West Nile virus, his family and local officials say. A husband, father of five and grandfather of 13, Clavel was hospitalized after his condition deteriorated and he tested positive for the mosquito-borne illness.

Clavel initially thought he had the flu or food poisoning when symptoms began. His condition did not improve; he developed a rash and was later found unconscious on the floor of his home by his wife, Tracey. Paramedics discovered he was desaturated and intubated him. He never regained consciousness.

"He just never regained consciousness," Tracey told ABC7. "He never got to tell me he loved me. Never got to hug me again."

Tracey, Clavel's high school sweetheart of 43 years, described him as a devoted partner and a person who was always ready to help others. She said he would want their story shared to raise awareness about West Nile virus and encourage preventive measures.

Health Information and Local Alert

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of West Nile virus typically appear two to 14 days after a bite from an infected mosquito and can include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. About 80% of people infected do not develop symptoms. Severe infections can involve the central nervous system, and roughly 10% of people with severe, neuroinvasive disease may die from the illness. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for West Nile virus.

Brian Brannon of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District warned that the county has recorded a record-high number of mosquito samples positive for West Nile virus this season. Officials reported 757 positive samples countywide, including 165 positive samples in Anaheim. Brannon urged residents to take simple precautions: wear EPA-registered insect repellent, avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and eliminate standing water around homes to reduce breeding sites.

Community Response

A GoFundMe page has been established to help the Clavel family with medical and funeral expenses. The fundraiser remembers Daniel as someone "many people could count on," noting his willingness to lend a hand and the deep void his passing has left in the lives of family and friends.

If you experience sudden severe symptoms after possible mosquito exposure, seek medical attention promptly. For more information on prevention and symptoms, consult the CDC and your local public health or vector control agency.