HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.23.26 For Immediate Release_ First Human West Nile Virus Infection Confirmed in Butte CountyFrom:Almaguer, Lisa
To:Blankenship, DeAnne; Soderstrom, Monica; Beaudoin, Jarett; BOS; Cox, Erin; McSpadden, Elaine; Nicholas, Jodi;
Putnam, Jodi; Wais, Ashley; York, DeLellis
Subject:For Immediate Release: First Human West Nile Virus Infection Confirmed in Butte County
Date:Thursday, July 23, 2026 3:27:25 PM
The following press release will be issued shortly…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2026
First Human West Nile Virus Infection Confirmed in Butte County
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – Butte County Public Health (BCPH) has confirmed the first human case
of West Nile virus (WNV) in Butte County this year. The case involves a person under the age
of 18 who is experiencing a mild to moderate illness.
While most WNV infections occur between May and October, activity generally peaks in late
summer. As of July 17, California has reported two human WNV-related infections this year.
Most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people develop mild symptoms
such as fever, headache, body aches, or fatigue. In rare cases (about 1 in 150), people can
develop serious illness affecting the brain or nervous system.
Adults over 50 and people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood
pressure, are at higher risk for severe illness.
WNV is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become
infected after feeding on infected birds.
Protect yourself using the “3 Ds”:
DEET: Use EPA-registered insect repellent (such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon
eucalyptus, or IR3535) and follow label instructions
DAWN & DUSK: Avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, and wear long
sleeves and pants if outside
DRAIN: Remove standing water around your home, including in flowerpots, gutters, and
containers
For standing water that cannot be drained, consider adding “Mosquito Dunks” or free
mosquitofish, which feed on mosquito larvae and can help reduce mosquito populations.
Residents with ornamental ponds, livestock troughs, or other standing-water features can
request free mosquitofish from the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. To
report neglected swimming pools or other mosquito concerns, contact your local Mosquito
and Vector Control District at (530) 342-7350 or (530) 533-6038.
WNV Resources:
BCPH’s West Nile Virus Website (tinyurl.com/j6sejd83)
California West Nile Virus Dashboard (westnile.ca.gov/)
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Please note that my email has changed. Please update your records:lalmaguer@buttecounty.ca.gov Lisa AlmaguerCommunications/Public Information OfficerButte County Public Health | Nationally Accredited since 09/13/17
2080 E 20th St., Suite 180 • Chico, CA 95928T: 530.552.4042 | M: 530.966.1686 www.buttecounty.net/610/publichealth COUNTY OF BUTTE E-MAIL DISCLAIMER: This e-mail and any attachment thereto may contain private, confidential, andprivileged material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review, copying, or distribution of this e-mail (or anyattachments thereto) by other than the County of Butte or the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you are NOT theintended recipient, please contact the sender immediately and permanently delete the original and any copies of this e-mail and any attachments thereto.