Even though mosquitoes are now a year-round problem in Southern California, this is the time of year when bites — and the public health risks tied to them — typically rise, as West Nile activity increases and officials track an invasive species that can spread dengue, Zika, and yellow fever.
What’s happening?
Southern California is heading into that stretch with early warning signs already appearing. As LAist reported, federal public health officials say West Nile activity across the country is at its highest level in about 20 years, and infected mosquito numbers are rising unusually early in the region.
In parts of Los Angeles County, June brought West Nile-positive mosquito counts that are more typical of a later point in the season.
So far, the number of human infections is still relatively low. LAist reported two cases this summer in Southern California — one in the Antelope Valley and one in Long Beach. Still, Dr. Aiman Halai with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health told LAist, “Having two cases reported in our area is not unusual. It’s already July.”…