Sunday, October 26, 2025

County Reports First West Nile Virus Death on Heels of Pasadena’s First Human Case of 2025

Los Angeles County health officials on Friday, Oct. 24, confirmed the first local death of the year due to West Nile virus, days after Pasadena recorded its first human case of the virus since 2022.

The fatality involved a San Fernando Valley resident who died of neurological illness caused by severe West Nile virus, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. No additional details about the individual were released.

According to the Pasadena Public Health Department, the city’s first human case of West Nile virus for 2025 was confirmed on Oct. 9. It marked Pasadena’s first reported infection since 2022. Pasadena operates its own health department and reports cases independently from Los Angeles County.

While no positive mosquito samples have been detected in Pasadena this year, the virus has been found in nearby San Gabriel Valley communities. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District began detecting virus activity in July through surveillance traps. Positive mosquito samples were collected in El Monte (July 22), Glendora (Aug. 5), and Rosemead (Sept. 23). In total, six positive samples have been reported within the district’s broader service area, though Pasadena is not among the listed communities.

Pasadena health officials continue to monitor disease activity and collaborate with the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District to control mosquito populations in public spaces through routine inspections and targeted treatments.

“There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus in humans,” said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Pasadena’s acting health officer. “Residents should take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.”

Manuel Carmona, Pasadena’s director of public health, added that “the most effective way to stay protected is to prevent mosquito bites.”

Recommended precautions include:

• Tipping out stagnant water weekly from containers around homes
• Disposing of unused items that collect water
• Using and repairing window and door screens
• Wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent containing Picaridin, DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535

Countywide, 14 human infections have been documented this year, excluding Long Beach and Pasadena. Half of those cases are from the San Fernando Valley.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, joint pain, body aches, and skin rash. Severe cases can lead to meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis, or death.

Los Angeles County has averaged 56 reported human cases annually over the past five years, though health officials believe the true number is higher due to asymptomatic infections that go unreported.

“This tragic loss reminds us how dangerous mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and dengue can be,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, in a statement. “Protect yourself and your neighbors by using insect repellent, getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed, and keeping window and door screens in good repair. Small actions like these can make a big difference in preventing illness.”