Overview

• The first case of St. Louis Encephalitis (SLEV) since 1984 has been reported in Long Beach, California, marking a resurgence of the mosquito-borne illness in the state.
• The infected individual was hospitalized and is now recovering at home; no other cases have been identified in Long Beach so far.
• Across California, 12 cases of SLEV have been recorded this year, indicating a potential increase in mosquito-borne illnesses.
• Health officials are working with healthcare providers to educate the community about SLEV and emphasize the importance of mosquito control in preventing the spread of the disease.
• Most people infected with SLEV do not show symptoms, but those who do can experience fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In severe cases, the disease can cause encephalitis or meningitis, leading to long-term neurological damage or death.