Long Beach Health Department Reports First West Nile Virus Death Since 2017

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has confirmed the first death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) in Long Beach in 2026. The person was hospitalized and died after developing neuroinvasive illness. This is the first WNV-associated death reported in Long Beach since 2017.

"Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the resident who passed away," said City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada. "West Nile virus can cause serious illness, and this loss underscores the importance of protecting ourselves and our loved ones from mosquito bites. As mosquito season continues, I urge residents to use insect repellent and eliminate standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed."

As of Sept. 24, 2026, 41 cases of WNV have been reported in Long Beach, including 71% with neuroinvasive illness. The number of cases so far this year is substantially higher than at the same point in 2014, when 22 cases had been reported. A total of 56 WNV cases were reported in Long Beach in 2014.

WNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. Those who do may experience fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting or rash. In rare cases, WNV can cause serious illness affecting the brain and spinal cord, including encephalitis, meningitis, paralysis or death.

West Nile virus can affect anyone. People of any age can become infected. Older adults and people with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness. People who develop symptoms of severe illness should seek medical care promptly.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for WNV. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and managing complications.

City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada urges residents to take the following precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent. Apply an insect repellentcontaining EPA-registered active ingredients, including DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, before going outdoors.
• Cover up outdoors. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when spending time outdoors, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes that can spread WNV are most active.
• Keep mosquitoes outside. Install or repair door and window screens.
• Dump and drain standing water. Empty items that can hold water inside and outside the home at least once a week, including flowerpots and saucers, birdbaths, buckets, children's toys and other outdoor containers.
• Cover water storage containers. Cover buckets and rain barrels. For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Maintain swimming pools and spas. Clean and maintain swimming pools and spas and drain water that collects on pool covers.
• Remove items that collect water. Remove unused items from yards and patios that can collect water, such as old tires and containers.

The Health Department's Vector Control Program, along with its partner agencies, Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District, continues mosquito surveillance and control activities throughout Long Beach. Protecting the community from mosquito-borne diseases remains a priority, and the Health Department is actively monitoring mosquito activity and working with its partners to reduce the risk of WNV. Residents are also encouraged to report increased mosquito activity to the Health Department through its mosquito surveillance form. Community reports help inform mosquito surveillance efforts throughout Long Beach. Residents also play a critical role in reducing the risk of WNV by preventing mosquito bites and eliminating standing water around their homes and businesses.

For more information about West Nile virus, including how to protect yourself from mosquito bites and report increased mosquito activity, visit longbeach.gov/WNV. Follow @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at [email protected]

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