Sacramento County Confirms First Human West Nile Virus Case Of 2026

Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) and the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District have recorded the first human case of West Nile virus in Sacramento County this year. The California Department of Public Health, as of June 26, has only reported one other human case, making this the second human case statewide.  

The resident is a female in her 60s and is recovering. West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. While approximately 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, about one in five may experience a mild illness that can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In rare cases, the virus can affect the nervous system and lead to serious neurological disease.

“This first human case this season is an important reminder that West Nile virus is actively circulating in our community,” said Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu. “While most people who become infected will not develop serious illness, some people, especially older adults and those with a compromised immune system can experience severe complications. The best protection is to prevent mosquito bites by always wearing an effective mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants and eliminating standing water around your home.”

West Nile virus activity has increased significantly in recent weeks, with positive mosquito samples and infected dead birds found in multiple areas throughout Sacramento County.

“This human case confirms that West Nile virus is active and the risk to residents is increasing,” said Gary Goodman, Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District Manager. “This comes at a time when residents will be enjoying the outdoor activities for the 4th of July holiday and it’s important for residents to stay protected because all it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to get the virus.”

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District will continue intensive surveillance throughout Sacramento County by trapping and testing mosquitoes, monitoring reports of dead birds, treating mosquito breeding sources, and conducting targeted adult mosquito control treatments when surveillance indicates an elevated risk of disease transmission.

2026 West Nile virus activity update for Sacramento County: 1 human, 31 dead birds and 20 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.

Practice the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention:

• DRAIN standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
• DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors.
• DRESS appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.
• DEFEND yourself by using an effective insect repellent. Make sure to follow label directions!
• DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition.
• DISTRICT personnel are also available to address any mosquito problems. Call them at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net

Media contacts:

• Sacramento County Public Health:
  • Casey Camacho, camachoc@saccounty.gov, (916) 862-2319
• Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District:
  • Luz Maria Robles, lrobles@fightthebite.net, (916) 416-6337

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