"Placer County Reports First West Nile Virus Death in Northern California Since 2018"

A Lincoln man over the age of 65 has become the first West Nile virus death in Placer County since 2018. While the risk from West Nile is generally low, individuals aged 50 and older are more susceptible to complications. California has reported 286 confirmed human cases and 10 deaths related to the virus this year. Placer County has at least six confirmed cases, with record numbers of mosquitoes and dead bird samples testing positive for the virus. Health officials advise using insect repellent, wearing long clothing during peak mosquito activity, and eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito bites.