On June 26, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services announced the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Long Beach this summer. This case also represents the first symptomatic case of WNV reported in California during the 2026 season.
The infected person was hospitalized with neuroinvasive illness and is currently recovering at home. Before this case, there had already been WNV-positive mosquito detections in the state.
According to Long Beach Health and Human Services, the risk of WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases increases during hot weather months, typically from June to October.
WNV spreads through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, with possible symptoms including:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
Though most people who are infected have no symptoms, roughly one in 150 may develop a more serious illness, which can result in brain inflammation, paralysis or death.
People who are over 55 years old or have chronic health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. Those who do have symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical care. There is no vaccine or treatment for WNV.
Acting City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada strongly encourages residents to take the following precautions:
- Prevent mosquito bites by applying insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus before going outside.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if spending time outside during dawn and dusk. WNV-carrying mosquitoes are most active during those times.
- Install or repair door and window screens.
- Dump and drain standing water around your home.
- Report increased mosquito activity and learn more about mosquito prevention by visiting longbeach.gov/mosquitoes.
- Report dead birds online or call 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).
Long Beach’s Vector Control Program, alongside the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District, are treating areas in Long Beach with high populations of mosquitoes daily.
To learn more about mosquito bites and how to best protect yourself from them, call the Mosquito Hotline at 562-570-4132. For local updates on West Nile Virus, visit longbeach.gov/WNV and keep up with @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Instagram, Facebook and X.
