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

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PRESS RELEASE

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

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

WNV spreads through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Symptoms of WNV may include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headache. Most people infected have no symptoms; approximately one in 150 may develop more serious disease, such as brain inflammation, paralysis or death. People who are over 55 years old or have chronic health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. People with these symptoms should seek immediate medical care. There is no vaccine or treatment for WNV.

Acting City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada urges residents to take the following precautions:

• Prevent mosquito bites by applying insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus before going outside.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if spending time outside during dawn and dusk. WNV-carrying mosquitoes are most active during those times.
• Install or repair door and window screens.
• Dump and drain standing water around your home.
• Report increased mosquito activity and learn more about mosquito prevention by visiting longbeach.gov/mosquitoes.
• Report dead birds online or call 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473)

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, continue to treat areas with high populations of mosquitoes throughout the city daily.

For more information on how to protect yourself from mosquito bites, call the Mosquito Hotline at 562.570.4132. For more information on WNV, visit longbeach.gov/WNV and 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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