The first human case of West Nile virus for 2024 in San Joaquin County was confirmed Wednesday, county public health officials announced.
A 57-year-old man from Stockton who was infected with the virus received medical services at a Sacramento-area health care facility.
San Joaquin County Public Health Services, which confirmed the case, said it is the 28th reported human case in California for this year.
The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a bite of an infected mosquito and is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Serious infection symptoms can include fever, severe headaches, stiff neck, disorientation, or confusion.
People should seek medical attention if they believe they have been bitten and symptoms are present.
In June, the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District said West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes had been discovered in Stockton.
The district said its mosquito-borne disease surveillance program collected the mosquitoes in the 95207 and 95219 zip codes.
Tips for avoiding mosquito bites included eliminating all sources of standing water on people’s property that can support mosquito development, applying insect repellent containing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered active ingredients, and avoiding spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active.
People are also advised to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and other protective clothing when outdoors and excluding mosquitoes from homes with tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.