The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that so far in 2025, 1,324 human cases of West Nile have been confirmed in 42 states. California accounts for at least 56 of those human cases, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Among Valley counties, data from the CDC, the California Department of Public Health, or county health departments show:
- Fresno County: At least eight human cases, including one death.
- Kern County: At least 13 human cases, no deaths.
- Kings County: Five human cases, including one death.
- Madera County: At least one human case, no deaths.
- Merced County: At least two human cases, no deaths.
- San Joaquin County: No human cases.
- Stanislaus County: At least two human cases, no deaths.
- Tulare County: At least 13 human cases, including one death.
Most people who become infected by West Nile experience no symptoms at all. About 20% have mild symptoms that can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting.
But for some people, including the elderly or those with compromised immune systems, the virus can cause severe neurological illness and death…