All articles tagged with #west nile virus
West Nile virus cases are rising in the US, with California reporting record numbers and North Carolina confirming two deaths. The virus often mimics flu symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis, but can cause severe brain inflammation in high-risk groups. No vaccine or cure exists, making prevention critical.
North Carolina health officials confirmed two adult deaths from West Nile virus in central North Carolina, occurring in mid-September and early October. The state’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported these fatalities alongside 11 total cases for 2026, noting that prolonged warm weather has extended mosquito activity into mid-October. While most infections are asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to neurological illness or death, particularly among older adults. No vaccine or specific treatment exists, prompting officials to urge residents to use repellents and eliminate standing water.
North Carolina officials confirmed two adult deaths from West Nile virus in central NC, bringing the state's 2026 total to 11 cases. Health experts urge residents to use repellents and avoid dusk-to-dawn outdoor activity, as no vaccine exists.
Los Angeles is experiencing its worst mosquito season in years, driven by record heat and El Niño conditions. The surge has led to over 180 West Nile virus cases in LA County, the highest in a decade, while invasive Aedes mosquitoes continue to thrive in suburban areas.
Los Angeles faces its worst mosquito infestation in years due to record heatwaves and a strong El Nino, causing a spike in West Nile virus cases and raising fears of dengue transmission. While authorities deploy sterile male mosquitoes and insecticides, residents struggle with persistent bites and stagnant water breeding grounds.
DuPage County, Illinois, confirmed its first West Nile virus death of 2026, bringing the county’s total cases to six. This follows similar fatal reports in Dallas County, Texas, and Shelby County, Illinois, where health officials warned that cooler weather does not eliminate transmission risks. While most infections are asymptomatic, severe neuroinvasive cases have emerged, including a rare paralysis case in California. Authorities are urging residents to maintain mosquito bite prevention measures, particularly for older adults and immunocompromised individuals, despite the end of peak mosquito season.
California is experiencing an early flu season, declining but still elevated COVID-19 activity, and a record-breaking West Nile virus outbreak. While plague remains a rare endemic threat in the state, a recent lab-related death in Russia has prompted renewed attention to the disease, though local risk remains negligible.
A 13-year-old boy from Long Beach, California, is hospitalized at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles with a severe case of West Nile virus that has caused transverse myelitis, resulting in paralysis and loss of bladder control. While most infections are asymptomatic, this rare neuroinvasive case highlights the potential for rapid, debilitating neurological damage. Los Angeles County has recorded a record number of infections this year, prompting health officials and the patient’s family to urge parents to monitor for early symptoms like rashes and balance issues.
A 13-year-old Long Beach boy is bedridden at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles after contracting West Nile virus, which triggered transverse myelitis, a rare spinal cord inflammation. His family has launched a fundraiser as he faces an uncertain recovery, coinciding with a record-breaking surge in infections across Los Angeles County.
New Hampshire has recorded its first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus for 2026. The patient, an adult from Grafton, developed symptoms in late August but was not tested until recently. Health officials remind residents that most infections are mild, but severe cases can occur in older adults or those with underlying conditions. Prevention measures, including repellent use and eliminating standing water, remain critical as mosquito activity persists.
Los Angeles County has recorded 100 West Nile virus cases and five deaths this year, the highest early-season totals in nearly a decade. Health officials attribute the surge to record-breaking warmth and humidity, which have extended mosquito lifespans and breeding cycles. While most infections are asymptomatic, nearly all reported cases this year involved severe illness requiring hospitalization. Officials urge residents to use EPA-registered repellents and eliminate standing water as peak transmission continues through November.
Forsyth County health officials confirmed a human case of West Nile virus on September 26, 2026. The resident contracted the infection from a mosquito bite, following earlier confirmations that infected mosquitoes were present in the area. While most infections are asymptomatic, officials warn that older adults and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks of severe neurological complications. Prevention measures include eliminating standing water and using repellents.
Daniel Clavel, a 61-year-old Anaheim father, died after a 24-day hospitalization for West Nile virus. His wife, Tracey, shared his story to warn residents as Orange County records its highest number of positive mosquito samples in history. Health officials urge the public to use repellents and eliminate standing water, particularly in the west side of the county.
Daniel Clavel, 61, died after a 24-day hospitalization for West Nile virus in Orange County. His family is sharing his story to warn others as local mosquito activity reaches record levels. Health officials urge residents to use repellents and eliminate standing water, noting that Anaheim has the highest number of positive mosquito samples in the county.
Los Angeles County has recorded 100 West Nile virus cases and five deaths this year, the highest early-season totals in nearly a decade. Experts attribute the surge to unprecedented humidity and heat driven by El Niño conditions, which extend mosquito lifespans and increase transmission. Health officials warn that the peak transmission period continues through October, urging residents to use repellents and eliminate standing water.