Long Beach Health Department Reports First West Nile Virus Death Since 2017

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has confirmed the first death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) in the city this year. The individual, who has not been identified, was hospitalized and died after developing neuroinvasive illness. This marks the first WNV-associated death reported in Long Beach since 2017.

City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased resident. "West Nile virus can cause serious illness, and this loss underscores the importance of protecting ourselves and our loved ones from mosquito bites," he said. As mosquito season continues, Dr. Okada urges residents to take necessary precautions such as using insect repellent and eliminating standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed.

According to the Health Department, as of September 24th, 2026, there have been a total of 41 reported cases of WNV in Long Beach, with 71% of those cases being neuroinvasive. This number is significantly higher than at the same point in 2014 when only 22 cases had been reported. In total, there were 56 WNV cases reported in Long Beach in 2014.

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WNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. While most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, those who do may experience fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting or rash. In rare cases, WNV can cause severe illness affecting the brain and spinal cord such as encephalitis, meningitis, paralysis or even death.

Dr. Okada emphasizes that anyone can be affected by West Nile virus regardless of age but older adults and individuals with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for severe illness. He advises those who develop symptoms of severe illness to seek medical care promptly.

Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for WNV. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications. In light of this, Dr. Okada urges residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

These precautions include using insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus before going outdoors, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outside (especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active), installing or repairing door and window screens, and regularly emptying items that can hold water both inside and outside the home.

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The Health Department's Vector Control Program, in collaboration with Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District, continues to conduct mosquito surveillance and control activities throughout Long Beach. The Health Department is actively monitoring mosquito activity and working with its partners to reduce the risk of WNV. Residents are also encouraged to report increased mosquito activity through the Health Department's mosquito surveillance form as community reports help inform surveillance efforts.

For more information on West Nile virus, including how to protect yourself from mosquito bites and report increased mosquito activity, visit longbeach.gov/WNV. Follow @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates. Media inquiries can be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at HE-PublicAffairs@longbeach.gov.

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