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Human West Nile Virus Case Confirmed In Tuolumne County
myMotherLode.com • • general
Key Points:
- Tuolumne County has confirmed its first human case of West Nile Virus in 2026, involving an adult who was hospitalized; no further personal details were disclosed due to medical privacy.
- West Nile Virus is transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes, with most infected individuals showing no symptoms, though about 20% may experience mild symptoms and fewer than 1% develop severe illness, especially those over 50 or with weakened immune systems.
- The California Public Health Department reports that West Nile Virus activity statewide is at its highest level in five years, with August and September identified as peak months for transmission.
- Health officials recommend using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing protective clothing during dawn and dusk, and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding and lower the risk of infection.
