Sacramento County Confirms 1st Human West Nile Case of 2026 in 60-Year-Old Woman

3 articles · Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Jul 3

A 60-year-old woman is recovering after becoming Sacramento County's first confirmed human West Nile virus case of 2026, local public health officials said.
West Nile activity has been rising in the area in recent weeks, with infected birds and mosquito samples detected by the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District.
Dr. Dean Blumberg of UC Davis Health said about 80% of infections cause no symptoms, while others can bring fever, muscle and joint aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
Severe cases can be fatal or leave lasting fatigue, memory problems and other neurologic issues, and there is no specific antiviral treatment.
Officials said prevention remains the main defense: use mosquito repellent, remove standing water, wear more covering clothing when possible, and expect continued surveillance and spraying.