All articles tagged with #west nile virus
Massachusetts health officials confirm two additional West Nile virus infections, increasing the season total to five; the new cases are a man in his 80s in Middlesex County and a man in his 70s in Suffolk County, joining earlier infections in both counties as authorities warn of mosquito-borne transmission.
West Nile virus–carrying mosquitoes were found in seven additional Louisville neighborhoods, prompting fogging in those areas. Officials confirm a 2026 West Nile case in Louisville and urge residents to use insect repellents, wear long sleeves and pants, eliminate standing water, and repair window screens to reduce risk.
The NYC Health Department will spray a low-concentration EPA-approved pesticide (Duet) overnight on Wednesday across a broad section of Manhattan’s Upper West Side (roughly 59th St to 178th St on both sides) to reduce mosquito activity and West Nile virus risk. The spraying is scheduled from about 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. Residents are advised to stay indoors if possible, keep air conditioners on, and wash skin, clothing, and produce exposed to the spray afterward; the agency says risks to people and pets are low and notes potential temporary irritation for sensitive individuals. This is part of the city’s annual mosquito-control efforts.
Utah County has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this season, with health officials urging residents to take mosquito-bite precautions and stay informed on local mosquito-control efforts.
Montana health officials confirm the state's first human West Nile virus case of 2026 in Cascade County, likely locally acquired after a nearby mosquito pool tested positive; officials say the case appears isolated but expect more cases as mosquito season continues. Most people infected are asymptomatic (~80%), about 20% develop symptoms, and fewer than 1% can have severe nervous-system illness; prevention guidance includes wearing protective clothing, draining standing water, using EPA-registered repellents, and avoiding dawn/dusk outdoors while surveillance continues.
As West Nile Virus cases rise in California (about 30 human infections reported), Photon Matrix is rolling out an AI-powered mosquito zapper that uses LiDAR, radar, and real-time AI to detect and laser-zap mosquitoes. The outdoor model sells for $1,088 and an indoor version for $988; the device claims to target multiple mosquito species while avoiding other insects, offering a chemical-free, energy-efficient approach with a detection range around 20 feet and a maximum mosquito speed of 3.3 feet per second.
Tuolumne County’s public health department confirms the first human West Nile Virus case of 2026; the adult patient was hospitalized and no further details were released. Officials note that most infections are mild but severe disease can occur, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems, and emphasize prevention: use DEET-based repellent, wear long clothing at dawn and dusk, and drain standing water. California reports its highest West Nile activity in five years, with August–September as peak season.
Massachusetts health officials reported the state’s second human case of West Nile virus this year, in Middlesex County, prompting a high-risk level for several Boston-area communities. Mosquitoes testing positive since mid-June and the first case—a man in his 90s—underscore the peak-season risk, and authorities urge precautions such as EPA-registered repellents, avoiding outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, and wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce bites.
Massachusetts health officials announced a second human West Nile virus case this year, a man in his 60s from Middlesex County, as the state lifts the risk level to high in several Boston-area communities and notes 184 WNV-positive mosquito samples statewide, urging residents to use repellent and drain standing water to prevent bites.
Los Angeles County has confirmed its first West Nile virus–related death of 2026 amid a rise in local infections (15 cases so far this year, above the five-year average). Statewide activity is also at a five-year high, prompting officials to urge residents to use insect repellent, remove standing water, and ensure window screens are intact to prevent mosquito bites, especially for older adults and the immunocompromised.
A Wyomissing mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile Virus, but officials say the immediate risk of transmission remains low. Berks County’s mosquito control team will increase larval and adult surveillance, and residents are urged to take precautions—limit outdoor time at dusk and dawn, wear long sleeves and pants, use an EPA-registered repellent, and remove standing water around properties. More updates will be shared by local authorities and the Pennsylvania DEP Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program.
Montgomery County health officials confirm the county’s first West Nile virus–related death in 2026, a woman in her 90s. The virus is spread by mosquitoes; most people have mild or no symptoms, but a small number can develop serious neurological illness. There is no specific treatment, and local mosquito-control programs continue surveillance and control efforts. Residents should protect themselves with EPA-registered repellents, long sleeves/pants, and by removing standing water around their homes.
A warm winter and heat wave spurred West Nile virus activity to a five-year high in California, with 30 statewide human cases and three deaths; Los Angeles County recorded its first fatality of the year (a San Fernando Valley resident) and 15 infections, about half in the Valley. Officials urge residents to use DEET, eliminate standing water, and ensure tight screens, noting no vaccine or specific treatment exists and that older or immunocompromised people are at higher risk during peak transmission from June to November. Climate change could worsen future outbreaks.
Idaho’s health officials report the first human West Nile virus meningitis case of the year, a Canyon County resident over 65 who was hospitalized and is recovering at home; officials urge protection against mosquito bites and reducing standing water to prevent transmission, noting that West Nile can cause severe illness—especially in older adults.
US health officials report a rising threat from West Nile virus as mosquito activity increases, with at least eight deaths and more than 180 cases across 30 states this year. Arizona has the most cases and fatalities, while California has fatalities among dozens of cases. West Nile can cause brain inflammation and paralysis, and there is no specific antiviral treatment. A climate-change–driven drought concentrates mosquitoes and birds around shrinking water sources, prompting preventive guidance to wear insect repellent, cover exposed skin, and eliminate standing water around homes.