California West Nile Virus Cases Reach 528 With 32 Deaths in 2026; Los Angeles Reports 304 Cases
Data updated on Nov. 6 by the California Department of Public Health's West Nile virus website show 528 human cases of West Nile virus in California so far this year across 23 counties, with 32 related deaths, a case fatality rate of about 6 percent, and virus activity at its highest level in five years. Los Angeles County has the most cases, with 304 cases and 13 deaths; Orange County has 66 cases and 7 deaths. The deaths were reported from nine counties in total.
Surveillance data show 27 new human cases statewide in the past week. So far this year, 4,147 mosquito samples from 29 counties have tested positive, 786 dead birds from 25 counties have tested positive, and 149 sentinel chickens and 17 horses have also tested positive. West Nile virus spreads mainly through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito and can cause meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and other serious neuroinvasive disease. There is no approved human vaccine and no specific antiviral treatment. The department urges residents to remove standing water, use insect repellent, seek care for symptoms such as fever and headache, and report dead birds through the West Nile virus website.
When GSM reported on Oct. 30, California's totals stood at 452 cases and 29 deaths; the new figures are the department's latest weekly update.
(Source: California Department of Public Health)
Source: California Department of Public Health
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：雌性库蚊正在吸血，库蚊是西尼罗病毒的主要传播媒介。图片来源：美国疾病控制与预防中心，公共领域，Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: A female Culex mosquito feeding; Culex mosquitoes are the main vectors of West Nile virus. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
