First human case of West Nile virus for 2025 reported in Stanislaus County
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- Stanislaus County confirmed 2025’s first human West Nile Virus case this week.
- One in four Modesto mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile Virus.
- Health officials urge repellents, long clothing, and draining standing water.
The Stanislaus County Public Health Department has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus for 2025. Officials said the person was infected with West Nile Virus and developed neuroinvasive West Nile Virus, a neurological illness that can manifest after exposure.
Just last week, public health officials reported that West Nile Virus was found in samples taken from mosquitoes in the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District and urged residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
In a press release, Dr. Wakoli Wekesa of East Side Mosquito Abatement District said, “As we celebrate Independence Day, we urge the community to take steps to avoid exposure to mosquito bites. One in four mosquito samples collected from different parts of the City of Modesto over the past week and a half have tested positive for West Nile Virus. We are doing everything we can on the ground to reduce the mosquito population in affected areas.”
The virus is transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes and most people who may contract it may not have any symptoms. Some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, or tiredness. People 55 or older, those with weak immune systems, and people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms and long-term issues like meningitis, encephalitis and even death.
“We urge residents to dump and drain any standing water around their homes, and report neglected swimming pools, as these can serve as mosquito breeding sites. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV, so it is very important that people protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” Stanislaus County Public Health Officer Dr. Thea Papasozomenos said in the release.
Public Health officials urge residents to protect themselves from infection by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours of dawn and dusk, securing windows and doors with tight-fitting screens, and keeping entry points closed and dumping any standing water in areas around the home including bird baths, flowerpots and other areas where water may collect. Individuals may report larger pools of water and neglected swimming pools to the local abatement district.
In Stanislaus County, residents can contact their local agency to report an unusual amount of mosquitoes during the day or dead birds which can be an early warning sign of West Nile Virus. The East Side Mosquito Abatement District can be contacted at 209-522-4098 and the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District can be contacted at 209-634-1234.
