West Nile virus cases rise in California, Stanislaus County reports hospitalizations
By Karson Wells
Click here for updates on this story
CALIFORNIA (KCRA) — West Nile virus activity in California has reached a five-year high, according to the California Department of Public Health, with Stanislaus County reporting five cases and three hospitalizations due to severe symptoms.
This year, there have been 86 cases of West Nile virus across California, a significant increase compared to 2025, which saw only 22 cases as of September. In Stanislaus County, the first human case of the mosquito-borne virus was reported last month, and as of Sept. 4, there have been five confirmed cases.
AFC Urgent Care in Modesto stressed the importance of seeking medical attention if bitten by a mosquito and experiencing symptoms.
“Fever, dizziness, headaches, body aches, anything like that is symptoms. Some people might mistake it as a flu, but if you’re around a bunch of mosquitoes during that type of season, go get checked out,” said Teri Ford of AFC Urgent Care.
Ford also noted that some individuals may not have noticeable symptoms, but in rare cases, West Nile virus can lead to severe long-term impacts.
“Eventually it could go to the brain causing neurological problems, muscle weakness can happen from that,” Ford said.
The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency stated that people aged 55 and older are at higher risk for severe symptoms and encouraged everyone to use mosquito repellent. They also advised taking precautionary measures, such as removing standing water from yards and surrounding areas, to reduce mosquito breeding.
Surrounding counties have also reported cases of West Nile virus, according to the California Department of Public Health. Sacramento County has reported nine human cases, including one fatality. San Joaquin County has two cases, Tuolumne County has one case, Yolo County has two cases, Sutter County has two cases, Yuba County has one case, and Butte County has reported 11 cases, including two fatalities.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.