West Nile Virus Human Case Alert
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed a human case of West Nile virus in a City of Compton resident on September 11, 2026. This is the first human case reported within the Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District's service area this year. No identifying information about the individual is being released.
| Measure | 2026 | Context |
|---|---|---|
| California human cases | 126 | Reported across 21 counties |
| California deaths | 6 | West Nile activity is at a five-year high |
| Los Angeles County human cases | 43 | Countywide total through September 11 |
| LA County positive mosquito samples | 546 | Virus activity is established in local mosquitoes |
| LA County positive dead birds | 114 | Dead-bird reports support early detection |
The Compton case is the first human case reported inside CCMAD boundaries this year. It is not the first case in Los Angeles County.
You Cannot Catch West Nile Virus Through Casual Contact
West Nile virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not spread by touching, speaking with, caring for, or sharing food with someone who has the virus. The person who was diagnosed does not pose a risk to neighbors through ordinary contact. The public-health risk comes from mosquitoes.
What the District Is Doing
- Conducting larval-source inspections, including property inspections upon request
- Continuing coordination with Los Angeles County Public Health and regional vector-control partners
Symptoms to Watch For
Most people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. Those who do may experience fever, headache, body or joint aches, vomiting or diarrhea, rash, or unusual fatigue and weakness.
Fewer than 1 in 100 people infected develop serious illness affecting the brain or nervous system.
Three Things to Do This Week
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and follow the label. Wear long sleeves and long pants when practical. Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active from dusk through nighttime. Find the right repellent at epa.gov/insect-repellents.
Empty, scrub, cover, or throw out anything holding water, including buckets, planters, pet bowls, birdbaths, toys, tires, gutters, and pool covers. Check every 48–72 hours and keep pools clean and circulating. In warm conditions, a mosquito can develop from egg to biting adult in about a week.
Dead-bird reports can be an early sign that West Nile virus is circulating in an area and help public-health officials track activity. Call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or report online at westnile.ca.gov.
Also take a few minutes to check that window and door screens fit properly and have no holes.
Report Dead Birds
Call the California Dead Bird Reporting Hotline or report online at westnile.ca.gov.
(877-968-2473)
"This confirmed case is a reminder that West Nile virus is active in our region. It is not spread through casual contact with an infected person; the risk comes primarily from mosquito bites. The District is increasing surveillance in the affected area, and residents can help by using repellent and removing standing water around their homes."
Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District
Report Mosquito Activity or Request Service
Experiencing persistent mosquito activity or seeing standing water you cannot remove? Contact the District. Every service is free within our service area.
(310) 933-5321 · comptoncreekmad.org/request-service