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

Key Points:

• West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes are spreading rapidly across Southern California, with a significant increase in positive mosquito samples compared to previous years, prompting officials to urge residents to take preventive measures against bites.
• Los Angeles County has reported 27 cases of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes this season, a sharp rise from the five-year average of four, while Orange County has found infected mosquitoes in 10 cities, including recent detections in Fullerton and Anaheim.
• As of June 30, there have been 48 human cases of West Nile virus nationwide, including 38 severe neuroinvasive cases, the highest mid-year count since 2004; California has recorded one human infection this year in Long Beach.
• West Nile virus poses the greatest risk to people over 50 and those with preexisting health conditions, with symptoms ranging from mild fever and aches to severe neurological damage, and there is no specific treatment, only supportive care.
• Preventive measures recommended include using EPA-approved mosquito repellents, wearing long clothing at dawn and dusk, eliminating standing water around homes, repairing window screens, and reporting dead birds or mosquito breeding sites to local vector control authorities.