Two local residents have been diagnosed with West Nile virus just as an elderly woman in Orange County has become the first person in California to die from the infection this year, health officials said yesterday.

So far in 2008, seven people in San Diego County have been confirmed as having West Nile.

The latest victims are a 53-year-old man from San Diego who was hospitalized with a loss of nerve function in his lower legs and a 48-year-old woman from El Cajon who developed meningitis. Both tested positive for the virus, which is transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes.

The Orange County woman was from Buena Park. She died this month after being hospitalized.

Most infected people show no symptoms. Individuals most susceptible to the disease are older than 50 or have weak immune systems, diabetes or hypertension, health experts said.

Residents are urged to use insect repellent when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, and wear long sleeves and pants. For more information or to report dead birds, go to SDFighttheBite.com or call the West Nile virus information line toll-free at (888) 551-4636. –C.C.