California health officials report West Nile activity at a five-year high, with 30 human cases and three deaths statewide as of last week. On Thursday, Los Angeles County announced its first West Nile death of the year: a San Fernando Valley resident hospitalized for a neurological complication. The county has recorded 15 infections this year, about half in the San Fernando Valley.
WHO:Los Angeles County Public Health Department; California Department of Public Health
WHAT:Los Angeles County reported its first West Nile death of the year amid a statewide surge in West Nile virus cases.
WHEN:Aug 20, 2026
WHERE:Los Angeles, CA
WHY:Cause not yet established.
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