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Antelope Valley resident infected with West Nile virus, first human case in LA County for 2026
By Helen Jeong at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
The first human case of West Nile virus was reported in Los Angeles County for the 2026 mosquito season, the LA County Public Health Department announced Monday.
The patient was hospitalized as of Monday after developing West Nile encephalitis, brain inflammation caused by the West Nile virus,...
Key takeaway ” Los Angeles typically sees about 41 human cases per year since 2021, the county said.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The confirmation of Los Angeles County's first human West Nile virus case of 2026 in the Antelope Valley area raises concerns about the mosquito-borne illness in the region. With the county averaging about 41 human cases per year since 2021, residents should be aware of the risks and take preventive measures. The LA County Public Health Department's collaboration with local vector control agencies to monitor and target mosquito activities is crucial in mitigating the spread of the virus. Residents can play a significant role by eliminating standing water around their homes, using insect repellent, and installing window and door screens. The presence of West Nile virus in neighboring counties, such as Ventura and Orange, also underscores the need for vigilance across the Greater Los Angeles area. By taking simple steps to protect themselves, Angelenos can reduce the risk of infection and prevent further cases in the community.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The first human case of West Nile virus was reported in Los Angeles County for the 2026 mosquito season, the LA County Public Health Department announced Monday.
The patient was hospitalized as of Monday after developing West Nile encephalitis, brain inflammation caused by the West Nile virus,...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Helen Jeong at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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