LA County Reports 1st West Nile Virus Death of Year
County health officials said 15 infections have been reported this year, while state surveillance shows 30 human cases and three deaths across California.
- On Thursday, Los Angeles County health officials confirmed the county's first West Nile virus death of the year, involving a San Fernando Valley resident hospitalized with severe neurological illness.
- Susanne Kluh, general manager of the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, said the warmest winter on record caused West Nile virus amplification to begin "almost two months early this year."
- State surveillance shows West Nile virus activity has reached a five-year high across California, with eight out of every 1,000 mosquitoes testing positive and more than 24% of dead birds carrying the virus.
- August and September are peak transmission periods, prompting CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan to warn that "West Nile virus can be fatal, particularly for the elderly and immunocompromised."
- Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis urged residents to use insect repellent containing DEET, drain standing water, and ensure window screens fit tightly, stating "Small actions like these can make a big difference in preventing illness.
16 Articles
16 Articles
First West Nile virus death of 2026 reported in Los Angeles County
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first local death linked to West Nile virus this year, officials announced Thursday. A resident of the San Fernando Valley was hospitalized and died from neurological illness caused by severe West Nile virus. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends grieving [...]
L.A. County Confirms First West Nile Virus Death of 2026
Los Angeles County is reporting its first death from West Nile virus in 2026. Public Health officials say a San Fernando Valley resident died from complications related to the mosquito-borne illness after being hospitalized with a neurological condition. The county has recorded 15 West Nile virus cases so far this year, a number that is already higher than the five-year average for this point in the year. About half of those infections have been…
A resident of the San Fernando Valley died of the West Nile virus; specialists recalled the importance of preventive measures
Hanford Sentinel
Lodinews.comLA resident dies from West Nile virus; California cases hit 5-year high amid warming climate
After an abnormally warm winter and a blistering March heat wave, California has seen a surge in mosquito activity that has driven West Nile virus activity to a five-year high. As of last week, there had been 30 human cases…
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