Yuba County detects first human case of West Nile virus. Statewide samples increase

The first human case of West Nile virus in 2023 has been detected in Yuba County, officials announced Monday.

An adult man contracted the virus through a mosquito bite in early August, according to county spokeswoman Rachel Abbott. He is experiencing severe illness, Abbott said.

The man contracted the disease somewhere in the Linda and Olivehurst areas, according to Stephen Abshier, manager for the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Severe cases of West Nile virus in humans are rare; only about one in 150 people are affected.

Mild or moderate symptoms of the virus can include fever and fatigue. Severe symptoms in humans include neurological conditions such as encephalitis and meningitis.

There were one or more human cases of West Nile virus in both Sutter and Yuba counties last year, Abshier said.

Yolo officials announced Friday that a Woodland resident who fell ill during the first week of August tested positive for the West Nile virus. It is the first human case of the disease reported in Yolo County this year.

Statewide, 14 humans, 236 dead birds, 1,998 mosquito samples, 60 chickens and three horses have tested positive for the virus as of Friday around 5 p.m., according to the California Department of Public Health.

Abshier said the best way to avoid West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites, wear repellent, wear long pants and sleeves and avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk.

“It’s not rocket science,” he said. “When we drive a car, there’s a chance of being in a wreck, so we reduce the chance of serious injury by putting on a seat belt. It’s all about reducing your odds of being infected.”