The Tulare County Department of Public Health has confirmed the county’s first human case of West Nile virus in 2026 and is warning residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

The confirmation follows several detections of the virus in mosquito samples throughout the county.

Tulare County Public Health Officer Dr. Asma Tariq urged residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

“Due to this increased activity and this reported case, we strongly encourage residents to use safeguards to reduce their risk of contracting both West Nile Virus and (St. Louis Encephalitis Virus) through mosquito bites,” Tariq said in a statement. “These measures are essential in helping to prevent the spread of West Nile virus and St. Louis Encephalitis virus in Tulare County.”

Drain Standing Water, Use DEET

To reduce the risk of bites and mosquito breeding, public health officials recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and repairing or replacing damaged window and door screens.

Residents also should drain standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, including in ponds and puddles.

About 1 in 5 people infected with West Nile virus develop symptoms. Those who become ill typically experience a fever and other symptoms two to 14 days after infection. In severe cases, the virus can affect the central nervous system, causing meningitis or encephalitis, which can be debilitating or fatal.

St. Louis encephalitis virus causes similar illness and is also spread through mosquito bites.