Deaths mount as West Nile virus hotspots emerge in LA, Orange counties

Key Points:

• Los Angeles and Orange counties have reported the highest number of West Nile virus cases and deaths in California this year, accounting for at least 63% of the state's 378 infections, with Orange County experiencing its deadliest outbreak in over a decade.
• Recent rains and rising temperatures have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, particularly in older urban areas with aging infrastructure where standing water accumulates.
• While most infected individuals show no symptoms or mild illness, severe cases affecting the central nervous system have resulted in multiple deaths, especially among older adults and immunocompromised individuals.
• Dead birds are used as indicators to track the virus's presence, with Los Angeles and Orange counties reporting the highest numbers of infected birds and mosquito pools in the state.
• Health officials urge residents to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, eliminate standing water, and report dead birds, emphasizing that mosquito activity typically peaks in late summer and fall and should decline soon.