Tuolumne County Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus This Year
Tuolumne County Public Health Department has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in the county this year. The affected individual is an adult who has been hospitalized.
Sacramento Stockton Modesto, CA, August 25, 2026 —
The Tuolumne County Public Health Department has announced the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the county for the current year. The case involves an adult resident who is currently hospitalized.
West Nile virus is typically transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people infected with WNV do not develop serious illness, a small percentage can experience severe symptoms, including neurological disease.
Public health officials in Tuolumne County are reminding residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. These measures include using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors, wearing long sleeves and pants, and ensuring that windows and doors have screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
The county health department also advises the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes. This can be done by emptying standing water from containers such as bird baths, flowerpots, and old tires. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in even small amounts of water.
Symptoms of West Nile virus infection can range from mild, flu-like illness to severe neurological problems. The incubation period is typically 3 to 14 days after the mosquito bite. Most human infections occur during the West Nile virus transmission season, which in California generally runs from late spring through fall.
The Tuolumne County Public Health Department will provide further updates as more information becomes available. Residents seeking more information about West Nile virus or prevention strategies can visit the department’s website or contact them directly.
Story summarized from the original created by Eric Schucht on fox40.com, see more information here.
