West Nile is spreading faster than it has in 20 years. Here's how to keep yourself safe

This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

See more from the L.A.Times in Google Search.

Set us as preferred A growing number of deadly West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes are spreading rapidly across Southern California and local officials are urging residents to take action to ward off a bite.The virus is off to its earliest start in the United States in the last 20 years, federal officials warn, including in the Southland.West Nile virus is the most common and serious mosquito-borne disease in California that can be fatal to humans and some wildlife, according to the California Department of Public Health.In Los Angeles County, cases began to pop up in May, firstly in Pico Rivera and Long Beach, according to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.

Now it’s up to 27 within its coverage area.At the same time, more mosquitoes carrying the virus are being found.“Within our service area, the five-year average for West Nile Virus-positive mosquito samples at this point in the season is approximately four,” said Caroline Gongora, public information coordinator for the vector control district.“This year, we have detected 38 positive mosquito samples, a significant increase in activity compared to recent years.”In Orange County, its vector control district reported its first disease-carrying mosquitoes in Newport Beach on June 2.

Now, mosquitoes carrying West Nile have been found in 10 cities, with the latest being Fullerton and Anaheim.Authorities find West Nile virus by capturing and testing mosquitoes in groups of 10 to 50 each, which they call a “mosquito pool.”Last year, Orange County’s vector control detected West Nile virus in four mosquito pools.

It detected it in five pools in 2024 and only one in 2023.But this year, it’s found West Nile virus in 38 mosquito pools.“We are above-average for this time of year,” said Miquel Jacobs, director of communications for the vector c...