City of Long Beach Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus This Year

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) has been confirmed in Long Beach this summer by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department). The individual was hospitalized with neuroinvasive illness and is currently recovering at home.

Although there have been positive mosquito detections for WNV in California, including in Long Beach, this is the first reported symptomatic case for the 2026 season. The risk of WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases increases during hot weather, typically from June to October.

According to the Health Department, WNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Symptoms may include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headache. While most people infected do not experience any symptoms, approximately one in 150 may develop more serious illness such as brain inflammation, paralysis or even death. Those who are over 55 years old or have chronic health conditions are at a higher risk for severe illness. It is important for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical care. Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for WNV.

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Acting City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada is urging residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. These include applying insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus before going outside. It is also recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when spending time outdoors during dawn and dusk as WNV-carrying mosquitoes are most active during these times. Additionally, residents should install or repair door and window screens and regularly dump and drain standing water around their homes.

To report increased mosquito activity or learn more about prevention methods, residents can visit longbeach.gov/mosquitoes. Dead birds can also be reported online or by calling 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

The Health Department's Vector Control Program, in partnership with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District, is actively treating areas with high populations of mosquitoes throughout the city on a daily basis.

For more information on how to protect yourself from mosquito bites, individuals can call the Mosquito Hotline at 562.570.4132. Additional information on WNV can be found at longbeach.gov/WNV and by following @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at HE-PublicAffairs@longbeach.gov.

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