One Fresno County resident has died after contracting the West Nile virus, spread through mosquitos, and the Department of Public Health report five other local cases in 2025. (GV Wire Composite / Paul Marshall)
- The Fresno County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first local West Nile virus human death of 2025.
- The virus spreads through infected mosquitoes, which are prevalent through the warmer months, and has resulted in two other deaths in California.
- The FCDPH warns residents to stay vigilant about applying bug spray and ensure doors and windows have proper screens.
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A Fresno County resident has passed away after contracting the West Nile virus from a mosquito bite, marking Fresno County’s first WNV human death of 2025
The Fresno County Department of Public Health confirmed the death Tuesday.
So far, the FCDPH has reported five additional human cases of WNV, and the department expects more cases as mosquito season continues. The season last through warm temperatures, typically ending in mid-October.
Mosquitoes become infected with WNV after biting infected birds. Then, the mosquitos can bite and potentially spread the virus to humans and other animals
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of this individual. We need to stay vigilant as mosquitoes may continue to test positive for WNV in the County. The infected mosquitoes may cause severe illnesses, including WNV infection, which can require hospitalization and can result in death,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County Interim Health Officer. “It is very important that we take steps to minimize mosquito bites, especially when there is an increase in mosquito activity.”
The California Department of Public Health has reported 43 WNV cases in California this year, including two other deaths.
The virus, first identified in California in 2003, has infected over 8,000 people and caused more than 400 WNV-related deaths.
Help Protect Yourself from West Nile Virus
To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and contracting WNV, Fresno County residents are urged to take the following precautions:
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes that can transmit WNV are most active.
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes and repair or replace screens that have holes.
- Eliminate standing water and containers that can hold water from around the home.
- Contact mosquito abatement districts to report poorly maintained swimming pools or water features that appear green.
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