Long Beach, California — What began with a few mosquito bites has turned into a devastating health battle for a previously healthy 13-year-old California boy, who has spent the past three weeks at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles after developing a severe case of West Nile virus.

Joseph Vazquez initially experienced symptoms that appeared relatively mild, including a full-body rash, mild headaches, pain in his legs and a low-grade fever. But his condition quickly deteriorated, eventually leaving him unable to move either of his legs.

His family is now sharing his story while raising awareness about the potentially serious consequences of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Teen’s Symptoms Quickly Became Severe

According to a fundraising page created by Vazquez’s family, his symptoms continued to worsen after the initial illness.

The 13-year-old eventually lost all mobility in both legs and developed severe abdominal pain, a stiff neck and loss of bladder and bowel control.

Doctors initially believed he was suffering from transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder involving inflammation of part of the spinal cord. He was prescribed steroids as physicians worked to address the symptoms.

However, after spending days in the intensive care unit and undergoing extensive testing, doctors determined that West Nile virus was responsible for his complications.

The diagnosis left his family facing a rare and uncertain medical situation.

Family Says Joseph’s Life Changed Within Days

Joseph’s family described the severity of his condition in an emotional message on the fundraising page.

“Today, Joseph is facing challenges no 13-year-old should ever have to face,” Vazquez’s family wrote. “He has lost the use of his legs, loss of bladder and bowel control, and is in excruciating nerve pain from the lower back down to his feet.”

Doctors have warned the family that because cases as severe as Joseph’s are uncommon, there is limited research and clinical experience available to predict what his recovery will look like.

The family said they never expected symptoms that initially appeared minor to result in such a dramatic change.

“We never imagined that something that began with what seemed like minor symptoms could change Joseph’s life so quickly,” his family wrote.

Before becoming ill, Joseph enjoyed playing soccer and following his favorite sports teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Raiders and Lakers.

His Mother Has Stayed by His Side

The illness has also created an enormous burden for Joseph’s family.

His mother, Maria Salazar, is a widowed mother of three and has remained with her son around the clock while he receives treatment.

As the family’s primary provider, Salazar’s extended time away from work has created a serious financial strain, according to the family’s fundraising page.

The family is now asking people to take mosquito-borne illnesses seriously and to recognize that symptoms can sometimes become much more severe than expected.

“Please take mosquito-borne illnesses seriously,” his family wrote. “Joseph’s experience has opened our family’s eyes to how quickly a mosquito-borne illness can become a serious medical emergency.”

West Nile Virus Remains a Major Mosquito-Borne Threat

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous United States.

More than 1,300 people develop severe West Nile illness affecting the central nervous system each year, while more than 130 people die from the infection.

Nearly 1,500 Parents and Community Members Rally as 2 Long Beach Schools Face Closure

So far in 2026, 987 West Nile virus cases have been reported nationwide, including 211 in California, according to the figures provided in the report.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. However, about 1 in 5 infected people develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.

Severe illness can affect the brain and spinal cord and can lead to serious neurological complications.

How to Reduce the Risk of West Nile Virus

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent West Nile virus in people and no specific medication that cures the infection.

Health officials recommend taking steps to reduce exposure to mosquitoes, particularly during periods when mosquito activity is high.

Recommended precautions include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and loose-fitting pants, and avoiding outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

People can also reduce exposure by making sure window and door screens are intact and by using air conditioning when possible.

For Joseph and his family, the focus now remains on treatment, recovery and navigating an uncertain future after an illness that began with something as seemingly ordinary as a few mosquito bites.

Have you or someone you know ever experienced a serious illness from a mosquito bite? Share your experience or thoughts in the comments, and help spread awareness about the risks of mosquito-borne diseases.