When James M. Damiano became the first person in the state to die from the West Nile virus last year, health officials never alerted his neighbors in Fullerton, where it was presumed he was bitten by disease-carrying mosquitoes.
They didn't mention West Nile virus to the 57-year-old man's family either. They didn't even alert the county agency whose job it is to fight mosquitoes.
Now, 10 months later, county health officials have changed their response regarding victims and last week agreed to share a patient's confidential information with other agencies if it relates to the virus, which is threatening California residents for a second straight year.
Last year, citing privacy laws, Orange County health officials disclosed virtually no information on the death of the former flower shop owner. His neighbors -- and his relatives -- learned that West Nile virus was responsible when contacted by a Los Angeles Times reporter.
When Damiano died in June, vector control officials were frustrated that they couldn't get his address in Fullerton and check backyards for standing water.
The new agreement clears up what the agencies can offer one another, said Michael Hearst, an Orange County Vector Control District spokesman.
"We were trying to get information to help begin eradication efforts. In terms of combating mosquitoes with a neighborhood search, it's better to start with an address," he said.
Under the agreement, vector control officials will get a victim's address and provide it to field inspectors on a "need to know basis," said David Souleles, division manager for the county Health Care Agency's Disease Control and Epidemiology unit.
Orange County health officials also have required that physicians report cases of the virus to them.
Officials will work to ensure that a victim's physician notifies relatives that West Nile virus is involved. If the doctor fails to contact family members, county health officials will.
Last year, county health officials announced that a man -- whom they declined to identify -- had died after contracting the West Nile virus. But relatives were never told he had the virus.
"It was pretty rough finding out through the media why he died," said his sister-in-law, Linda Damiano.
"But I'm glad the agency has solved its problems, and now I hope they will get on with protecting the public from the virus."
