City of Long Beach Reports Increase in West Nile Virus Cases

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is alerting residents to a recent increase in West Nile virus (WNV) cases following the first human case of the year reported in June.

Sinc the start of 2026, 16 human cases have been reported in Long Beach as of Aug. 28. Of these cases, 69% involved neuroinvasive disease, a severe form of illness that affects the brain or nervous system, and 81% required hospitalization. This is the highest number of human cases identified in Long Beach since 2014, when 56 cases were reported. WNV cases are also elevated statewide compared with last year and the previous five-year average.

The Health Department continues enhanced disease surveillance and mosquito-control efforts throughout Long Beach and is working with regional vector control agencies to monitor and reduce mosquito activity.

WNV is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headache. Approximately one in 150 people infected may develop more serious disease, including brain inflammation, paralysis or death. People experiencing severe symptoms, such as high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or paralysis, should seek medical care immediately.

People over 55 years old, those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease and those taking medications that weaken the immune system are at higher risk for severe illness. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV.

Health officials expect WNV activity to continue through early fall, with cases typically peaking in September. Long Beach residents are encouraged to take steps now to protect themselves and their communities.

City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada urges residents to take the following precautions:

• Prevent mosquito bites by applying insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus according to the label directions before going outside.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if spending time outside at dawn and dusk. WNV-carrying mosquitoes are most active during those times.
• Install or repair door and window screens.
• Dump, drain and scrub containers that collect standing water around your home.
• Flush and clean outdoor drains regularly with a hose to prevent stagnant water from pooling.
• Remove debris, trash and dirt around the exterior of drains, gutters and curbs to allow water to flow.
• Avoid bare-handed contact with dead birds. Report dead birds online or call 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

Mosquito Control
The Health Department's Vector Control Program continues to monitor mosquito activity and conduct mosquito-control measures in areas throughout Long Beach, working in coordination with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District.

For more information about preventing mosquito bites, call the Mosquito Hotline at 562-570-4132. Additional information about WNV is available at longbeach.gov/WNV.

Follow @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Instagram, Facebook and X for updates and prevention information.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at [email protected].

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