Family Warns About West Nile Virus After Father’s Tragic Death

The family of a man from Orange County is sharing their painful story following his death from the West Nile virus, intending to raise awareness about the disease’s dangers.

Daniel Clavel, a 61-year-old who was a father, grandfather, and husband, spent several weeks in the hospital battling for his life before he passed away last week, as reported by family members.

“My husband was a phenomenal person,” expressed Tracey Clavel, his wife of 43 years, noting their journey started as high school sweethearts.

“That was my world, that was my life, 43 years,” she reminisced.

Throughout their marriage, they raised a large family including five children and 17 grandchildren. Family members painted Daniel as a diligent individual who was always ready to lend a helping hand, deeply committed to his loved ones.

His determination was well known; in 2013, he overcame a serious motorcycle accident. “They said he’d never walk again, and we didn’t think he’d make it but he did,” Tracey recalled. “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.”

Last month, Daniel started showing signs of illness. Initially, the family suspected something like food poisoning or the flu, but his health deteriorated instead. Eventually, he developed a rash and other persistent symptoms.

Tracey shared a haunting moment when she found him on the floor of their home in Anaheim.

“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 recounted, fighting through her emotions.

Daniel remained in intensive care for 24 days before he succumbed. During his hospital stay, he tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to his family.

Local health officials are urging residents to take preventive measures as mosquito populations rise in the area.

“People should be concerned,” warned Brian Brannon from 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 noted that this year, Orange County has seen a record number of mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus, with 757 cases confirmed. Anaheim has had the highest count, with 165 positive samples.

“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 move a little south and a bit east too,” Brannon explained.

In addition to using repellant, residents are advised to eliminate standing water near their homes and cover up when outside during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk. The district is actively identifying hotspots with high positive samples for nighttime spraying.

The CDC points out that symptoms of West Nile virus can include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. More severe cases can impact the central nervous system, and currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments available.

Although most people don’t show symptoms, those who do may begin to feel unwell anywhere from two to six days after being bitten.

As the Clavel family prepares for Daniel’s funeral, they hope that sharing his story will prompt others to recognize the seriousness of the threat.

“He left us for people to be aware,” said Tracey.

The Orange County Health Care Agency has indicated that Daniel Clavel’s death is currently not listed on its website but confirmed that they are investigating the case. As of last week, there were reported 21 human cases of West Nile virus in Orange County, compared to just one during the same time last year.

A fundraiser has been initiated to assist Daniel’s family with funeral expenses and medical bills.