ANAHEIM, Calif. () — The family of an Orange County man says he died after contracting West Nile virus and is sharing his story in hopes of warning others about the risks associated with the disease.
Daniel Clavel, a 61-year-old father, grandfather and husband, spent weeks fighting for his life in the hospital before he died last week, according to his family.
“My husband was a phenomenal person,” said his wife, Tracey Clavel.
Tracey Clavel said she and Daniel were high school sweethearts and had been together for 43 years.
“That was my world, that was my life, 43 years,” she said.
Over the years, the couple built a large family with five children and 17 grandchildren. Family members described Daniel as hardworking, always willing to help others and devoted to those he loved.
He was also known for his resilience. In 2013, he survived a serious motorcycle crash.
“They said he’d never walk again, and we didn’t think he’d make it but he did,” Tracey said. “So that’s why this situation is even harder because he beat the odds of the motorcycle accident, but a mosquito took him, and I don’t understand it.”
According to his wife, Daniel began feeling ill last month. Initially, the family thought he may have had food poisoning or the flu, but his condition did not improve. He later developed a rash and continued experiencing symptoms.
Tracey said she eventually found him on the floor of their Anaheim home.
“He just never regained consciousness. The ambulance came, took him, he was desaturated, so then they had to intubate him and I never saw him again. He never got to tell me he loved me. Never got to hug me again,” she said.
Daniel remained in intensive care for 24 days before his death. While hospitalized, he tested positive for West Nile virus, according to his family.
Health officials are urging residents to take precautions as mosquito activity increases across the county.
“People should be concerned,” said Brian Brannon of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District. “But they can keep themselves safe… if you’re going to be out at dusk and dawn, make sure to wear that repellant.”
Brannon said Orange County has recorded its highest number of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in history this year, with 757 positive samples detected. Anaheim has recorded the most positive samples in the county with 165.
“We’re seeing a lot of activity in Anaheim, Fullerton, Buena Park, even Los Alamitos. It’s really spreading mostly throughout the west side of Orange County, but it’s starting to go down a little south and a little bit east, too,” Brannon said.
In addition to wearing repellant, Brannon also advises residents to eliminate standing water around their homes and cover up when outdoors during peak mosquito activity at dusk and dawn. He said the district is working to identify areas that have a high number of positive samples so they can spray them at night.
According to the CDC, symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Severe illness can affect the central nervous system. There are no vaccines or medications available to prevent or treat it.
Most people infected do not develop symptoms, but for those who do, symptoms can start two to six days after being bitten.
As Daniel Clavel’s family prepares for his funeral, they hope sharing his story will encourage others to take the threat seriously.
“He left us for people to be aware,” Tracey said.
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Daniel Clavel’s death is not currently reflected on its website but confirmed it is investigating. As of last week, the agency reported 21 human cases of West Nile virus in Orange County. During this same period last year, there was just one human case.
A fundraiser has been set up to help Daniel’s family with funeral costs and medical bills. You can donate here.
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