LA County Confirms 1st Human West Nile Case of 2026 After Antelope Valley Hospitalization
Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 15
LA County Confirms 1st Human West Nile Case of 2026 After Antelope Valley Hospitalization
2 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 15
Summary
An Antelope Valley resident was hospitalized with West Nile virus encephalitis after symptoms began in late June, marking Los Angeles County's first confirmed human case of 2026.
Health officials said the virus was spread by an infected mosquito and warned hot weather is boosting mosquito activity and the risk of bites.
Residents were urged to use repellent, remove standing water, maintain window and door screens, and report neglected pools and dead birds that can signal rising transmission.
Los Angeles County records human West Nile cases every year, averaging 41 annually over the past five years, and officials said there is no vaccine or specific treatment.