West Nile Virus
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Culex mosquitoes spread WNV and are most active around dawn and dusk.
Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. Some people may develop fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting or rash. In rare cases, WNV can cause serious illness affecting the brain and nervous system or death.
Mosquito activity typically increases during warmer months but can continue later in the year when warm weather persists. Take steps to prevent mosquito bites whenever mosquitoes are active.
Press Release:
- City of Long Beach Reports Increase in West Nile Virus Cases 8.28.2026
- Long Beach Health Department Reports First West Nile Virus Death Since 2017 9.24.2026
Protect Yourself and Your Family
The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites.
-
Empty standing water around your home to prevent mosquito breeding.
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Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
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Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. Follow the label directions.
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Repair window and door screens.
Remember: Mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active at dawn and dusk.
Noticing Increased Mosquito Activity? Report It.
Submit a report through the Health Department's online mosquito reporting form or by calling 562.570.4132. Community reports help the Health Department track mosquito activity and inform mosquito surveillance efforts throughout Long Beach.
Report Increased Mosquito Activity in Long Beach
West Nile Virus Cases
|
West Nile Virus 2026 |
|
|
Total Cases* |
52 |
|
Neuroinvasive |
36 (69%) |
|
Non-neuroinvasive |
14 (27%) |
|
Asymptomatic |
2 (4%) |
|
Hospitalizations |
44 (85%) |
|
Deaths |
1 |
|
|
Male: 29 (56%) |
| Female: 23 (29%) | |
| Non-Binary: 0 | |
|
Average Age |
69 years |
|
Age Range |
9 - 95 |
| *Confirmed and Probable cases as of 10/1/26 | |
West Nile Virus Cases in Long Beach by Zip Code (2026)
|
ZIP Code |
Case Count by ZIP Code |
|
90802 |
1 to 4 |
|
90803 |
9 to 12 |
|
90804 |
5 to 8 |
|
90805 |
9 to 12 |
|
90806 |
1 to 4 |
|
90807 |
1 to 4 |
|
90808 |
5 to 8 |
|
90810 |
1 to 4 |
|
90813 |
1 to 4 |
|
90814 |
1 to 4 |
|
90815 |
5 to 8 |
Last Updated: Oct. 1, 2026
West Nile virus was first detected in mosquitoes in Long Beach in 2003, and the first human case was reported in 2004.
West Nile Virus Cases by Year in Long Beach (2012-2026)
|
West Nile Virus Cases1 by Year in Long Beach, CA |
|
|
Year |
Number of cases |
|
2012 |
2 |
|
2013 |
7 |
|
2014 |
56 |
|
2015 |
14 |
|
2016 |
4 |
|
2017 |
15 |
|
2018 |
0 |
|
2019 |
2 |
|
2020 |
5 |
|
2021 |
2 |
|
2022 |
4 |
|
2023 |
1 |
|
2024 |
0 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 52 |
|
1Includes confirmed and probable cases |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
About 4 out of 5 people with West Nile virus do not have symptoms. People who do get sick may have mild or severe symptoms. Symptoms usually begin 3–14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Symptoms may include:
Fever, headache, body aches, nausea or vomiting, skin rash and diarrhea.
Severe symptoms may include:
High fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, vision problems, numbness, paralysis or coma.
People age 55 and older and people with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill.
Get medical care right away if you have severe symptoms.
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Vector Control Program helps reduce the risk of West Nile virus by monitoring mosquito activity, treating mosquito breeding sites, responding to mosquito-related concerns, and educating the community on how to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water.
Vector Control Specialists conduct mosquito surveillance to detect the presence of mosquitoes and monitor for West Nile virus activity. When necessary, they treat breeding areas to reduce mosquito populations and help limit the spread of disease. The program also provides education and outreach to residents on preventing mosquito breeding around homes and protecting themselves from mosquito bites.
The Vector Control Program serves most of the City of Long Beach. Areas east of Lakewood Boulevard are served by the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District, and a small area in northwest Long Beach is served by the Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District.
Report Dead Birds and Mosquito Activity
- Help track West Nile virus in California. Report dead birds online year-round or call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).
- Report increased mosquito activity in Long Beach using the Health Department’s online mosquito report form or call 562.570.4132. Community reports help inform mosquito surveillance efforts throughout Long Beach.
Downloadable Resources
- WNV English/Spanish
- WNV English/Khmer
- WNV English/Tagalog
