A 61-year-old Orange County, California, grandfather has died after contracting West Nile virus.

His wife found him unconscious at home before he was hospitalized, the article reports.

The article says the infection led to severe brain swelling.

His family has issued a public warning about mosquito-borne illnesses.

Relatives remember the grandfather as the anchor of their household.

Most infected people have mild symptoms, but severe neurological complications can develop quickly, doctors say.

A Stanislaus County resident recently became that county's first West Nile death of 2026.

Health agencies urge removing standing water, using insect repellent, and wearing protective clothing.

Officials urge anyone with neurological symptoms to seek medical care immediately.

Read the full article on the Orange County West Nile virus death.