Stanislaus County health officials report first case of West Nile illness in 2026

Stanislaus County public health officials reported the first case of West Nile illness in 2026.

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The county Health Services Agency announced the person’s illness in a news release Monday but did not release details of the case or information about the individual.

This month, the California Department of Public Health warned that West Nile virus activities are at the highest in five years across the state.

“Current surveillance indicators signal a severe West Nile virus season for 2026 with concern for a higher number of human cases,” said Dr. Thea Papasozomenos, public health officer for the county. “Because there is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus, it is important for people to take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.”

The last time that West Nile illnesses surged was in 2023, when there were 433 cases statewide, including 334 considered serious and 20 fatalities. People are usually most vulnerable to catching West Nile from a mosquito bite in August and September.

Local mosquito abatement districts reported the first positive mosquito samples in Stanislaus County in June. Most people infected with West Nile virus don’t show any symptoms. Some experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache and tiredness.

In rare cases, the virus causes serious illnesses affecting the brain and spinal cord, such as encephalitis or meningitis. The severe illness may lead to long-term disabilities or death.

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Older adults, diabetics, and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe illness.

The county advises residents to take precautions such as using insect repellent when spending time outdoors. Also:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when outside near dawn and dusk.
• Make sure windows and doors of your home are tight-fitting.
• Report neglected swimming pools in your neighborhood.
• Dump standing water from buckets, birdbaths, flowerpots and other containers where mosquitoes breed.

Residents north of the Tuolumne River may report mosquito problems to East Side Mosquito Abatement District, at 209-522-4098; others may call Turlock Mosquito Abatement District at 209-634-1234.

Report dead birds, which are a West Nile Virus warning sign, to the California West Nile Virus Bird Hotline at 877-968-2473 or Westnile.ca.gov.

This story was originally published August 24, 2026 at 3:46 PM with the headline “Stanislaus County health officials report first case of West Nile illness in 2026.”

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