Tuolumne County Confirms 1st 2026 Human West Nile Case as California Hits 5-Year High
Updated
Updated · mymotherlode.com · Aug 26
Tuolumne County Confirms 1st 2026 Human West Nile Case as California Hits 5-Year High
3 articles · Updated · mymotherlode.com · Aug 26
Summary
Tuolumne County confirmed its first human West Nile virus case of 2026, involving an adult who was hospitalized; officials released no further details.
California health officials said West Nile activity statewide is at its highest level in five years, with August and September marking the peak transmission season.
20% of infected people can develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, while fewer than 1% develop severe disease.
People over 50 and those with weakened immune systems face higher risk of severe illness, and the county urged residents to use DEET, wear protective clothing at dawn and dusk, and drain standing water.