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Long Beach's first West Nile virus case marks California's first symptomatic case this year
By Karla Rendon at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
Long Beach confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus and the first symptomatic case reported in California this year, the city’s health department said on Friday.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, but most people infected do not have symptoms. When sym...
Key takeaway It’s estimated that one in 150 people may develop a more serious disease that could lead to paralysis, brain inflammation and even death.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The confirmation of Long Beach's first human case of West Nile virus this year raises concerns for residents across the Greater Los Angeles area, where mosquito populations can thrive in the region's mild climate. As the city's health department works to determine where the infected individual may have been bitten, residents are reminded to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly during peak mosquito hours around dawn and dusk. The fact that the infected person developed a neuroinvasive illness, a more serious form of the disease, underscores the need for vigilance in eliminating standing water around homes, where mosquitoes can breed. With no treatment or vaccine available for West Nile virus, preventive measures such as using insect repellents and wearing protective clothing become crucial in protecting public health. As the summer months approach, local residents should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
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: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Long Beach confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus and the first symptomatic case reported in California this year, the city’s health department said on Friday.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, but most people infected do not have symptoms. When sym...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Karla Rendon 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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