Amador County Public Health confirmed the first equine case of West Nile virus reported in the county in 2026. West Nile virus outbreaks occur each summer in the United States and are typically transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites.
"The appearance of West Nile Virus in Amador County is not a surprise," said Dr. Rita Kerr, Amador County Health Officer. "WNV has been detected in California and neighboring counties for the past few months. It is important that people be aware there are measures they can take to minimize exposure to mosquitos and reduce the chance of becoming infected."
Health officials recommend residents practice three prevention methods: apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions; avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active; and eliminate standing water on property, including flowerpots, old car tires, and rain gutters.
The risk of serious illness for most people is low. However, less than 1 percent of infected people develop serious neurological illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years and older have a higher chance of getting sick and developing serious symptoms. Those with diabetes and those with hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.