BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Kern County Public Health Department confirmed that Kern County has reported its first case of West Nile virus in 2025.
County health officials said there were 12 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Kern county in 2024.
The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes during the summer months and early fall. Officials said people with the virus may experience mild symptoms but it can lead to severe illness, and in rare cases, death.
All students to receive free meals for 2025-2026 school year
About 20% of the people infected by the virus may develop symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, nausea and rash. Less than 1% progress to neurological complications, like a high fever, neck stiffness and confusion…