Fresno County reports first West Nile virus death, nearly 50 cases statewide
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- Fresno County confirms first West Nile death of 2025 amid rising cases.
- California reports 48 human West Nile cases and three deaths statewide to date.
- Health officials urge use of repellents and mosquito control to reduce infection risk.
A Fresno County resident has died from West Nile virus, the first confirmed death in the county and the third in California this year, according to public health officials.
The Fresno County Department of Public Health reported Monday the county’s first West Nile virus human death of 2025.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of this individual,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County Interim Health Officer.
The department did not disclose the individual’s identity, age, gender, city of residence, or when their illness was confirmed.
As of Monday, the Department of Public Health has reported eight positive human cases of the West Niles virus, with the first case reported earlier in August.
There have been 48 reported human West Nile virus cases in California this year, including two other deaths — one in Butte County and one in Tulare County, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Kern County has reported 11 human cases while Tulare County has reported 13.
The county’s health officials expect more cases as mosquito season can last through the end of October. Mosquitoes become infected with the West Nile virus when they bite infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then bite and potentially infect humans and other animals.
Vohra urged people to stay vigilant as mosquitoes may continue to test positive in the county and to take precautions to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and getting infected with the virus.
“The infected mosquitoes may cause severe illnesses, including WNV infection, which can require hospitalization and can result in death,” Vohra said. “It is very important that we take steps to minimize mosquito bites, especially when there is an increase in mosquito activity during these warmer temperatures.”
West Nile virus was first identified in California in 2003. There have been more than 8,000 human West Niles cases and more than 400 related deaths across the state since then.
How to stay safe
The Fresno County Department of Public Health urges residents to take the following precautions:
— Apply EPA-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes that can transmit WNV are most active.
— Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes and repair or replace screens that have holes.
— Eliminate standing water and containers that can hold water from around the home.
— Contact mosquito abatement districts to report poorly maintained swimming pools or water features that appear green.
