Second West Nile virus death reported in Central Valley. It’s the fourth statewide
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kings County reports first West Nile death of 2025; five local cases confirmed.
- California records 56 WNV cases in 2025 with four deaths across 12 counties.
- Public health urges Three Ds: use EPA repellents, avoid dawn/dusk, drain standing water.
A Kings County resident has died from West Nile virus, the fourth in California this year, according to public health officials.
The death is the second reported fatal case in the Central Valley within a week and a half span. Last week, Fresno County reported its first West Nile death.
“We are deeply saddened to report the death of a Kings County resident from West Nile virus”, said Heather Campos, assistant director of Kings County Department of Public Health. “This unfortunate loss is a stark reminder of the potential severity of WNV. We urge all residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, especially by removing standing water where mosquitos can breed.”
Campos did not disclose the individual’s identity, age, gender, city of residence, or when their illness was confirmed.
As of Thursday, the Kings County Department of Public Health has reported a total of five positive human cases of the West Niles virus including the fatality, with the first case of WNV infection reported in July.
There have been 56 reported human West Nile virus cases in California this year, including three other deaths — one in Fresno County, one in Butte County and one in Tulare County, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Fresno County has reported 8 human cases, while Kern and Tulare counties has reported 13 human cases each. Merced County has reported two cases, while Madera County has one case.
Mosquito season can last through the end of October. Mosquitoes become infected with the West Nile virus when they bite infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then bite and potentially infect humans and other animals.
Most people who are infected with WNV have no symptoms or only mild non-specific flu-like illness, according to public health officials. However, in some individuals, especially the elderly, the disease can cause severe neurologic illness. Symptoms of severe disease include fever, headache, stiff neck, rash, joint pain, disorientation, and altered level of consciousness.
West Nile virus was first identified in California in 2003. There have been more than 8,200 human West Niles cases and more than 400 related deaths across the state since then.
This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 2:47 PM with the headline "Second West Nile virus death reported in Central Valley. It’s the fourth statewide."
