BAKERSFIELD -- An 85-year-old Shafter man has died from complications of West Nile virus.

The man died Monday, July 17, according to the Kern County coroner's office.

Dr. Claudia Jonah, interim health officer and interim director of public health services for the Kern County Department of Public Health, indicated in a report that the elderly are especially susceptible.

While deaths from West Nile virus are rare, this should serve as a reminder that the elderly and those in frail health are at a heightened risk for complications from West Nile virus disease, Jonah said.

Kern County has 22 of Californias 27 West Nile virus cases, including two deaths so far this year from the disease.

A 96-year-old female resident of Bakersfield was the first to die this year from West Nile virus.