West Nile Virus Human Cases Confirmed in Simcoe, Wood County, El Paso, Placer

Multiple regions across the United States and Canada have reported the first human cases of West Nile virus for 2025, prompting health officials to urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. The virus, primarily spread through infected mosquitoes that have fed on birds, poses the highest risk during late summer and early fall, with symptoms ranging from mild fever and fatigue to severe neurological illnesses, especially in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Public health departments in Simcoe County, Wood County (Wisconsin), El Paso, and Placer County (California) emphasize the importance of preventive measures such as using EPA-registered insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding. El Paso has reported a severe neuroinvasive case in an elderly patient, highlighting the potential seriousness of the disease. Surveillance programs and mosquito testing are ongoing in these areas to monitor virus activity and guide control efforts. Residents are advised to remain vigilant against mosquito-borne illnesses until mosquito activity ceases with the arrival of hard frost.