West Nile Virus Claims First Two Lives in California This Year
California officials have confirmed the first two human deaths linked to West Nile virus in northern and central California, specifically in Glenn County and Kings County.
Sacramento Stockton Modesto, CA, August 5, 2026 —
California health officials have announced the state’s first two human fatalities attributed to the West Nile virus for the current year. The tragic deaths occurred in residents of Glenn County and Kings County, located in the northern and central parts of the state, respectively.
The West Nile virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. While many people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms, a smaller percentage can experience severe illness. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In some cases, the virus can affect the central nervous system, leading to serious conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis, and can be fatal.
Health authorities are reminding the public about the importance of taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce mosquito breeding sites. These measures include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
The specific timeline for when the infections occurred or when the individuals passed away was not immediately provided. Further details regarding the cases in Glenn County and Kings County have not yet been released.
Story summarized from the original created by Natalie Sierra on fox40.com, see more information here.
