West Nile Virus in Bay Area

Key Points:

• Two residents of Santa Clara County have been confirmed with West Nile virus, marking the first human cases in the Bay Area this year; both are recovering at home after medical care.
• It is unclear if the infections were acquired locally, as both individuals traveled during the virus's incubation period; officials emphasize the seriousness of the virus, which can cause mild to severe symptoms and rarely be fatal.
• West Nile virus is California’s most common mosquito-borne disease, with over 8,000 cases and 400 deaths since 2003; this year, five other human cases have been confirmed statewide, none fatal.
• Health officials urge residents to take precautions such as eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellent, and avoiding mosquito bites during peak activity times at dusk and dawn.
• No vaccines or specific treatments exist for West Nile virus, and people over 60 or with weakened immune systems are most at risk; residents are encouraged to report dead birds for testing to help monitor the virus’s spread.