Los Angeles Battles Surge in Mosquito-Borne West Nile Virus Cases
Los Angeles faces a spike in West Nile virus infections, with 216 cases and 10 deaths reported as mosquito activity intensifies.
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Los Angeles is facing a significant surge in mosquito activity, with a sharp increase in West Nile virus infections and fatalities. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LA County DPH), there have been 216 human infections and 10 deaths from the virus, marking a higher number than the average of the past five years.
West Nile Virus: A Growing Threat
West Nile Virus remains the most common and deadly mosquito-borne disease in California, according to the California Department of Public Health. The Culex mosquito spreads the virus after feeding on infected birds and then transmitting it to humans and animals. While only 1 in 5 people infected with the virus experience symptoms, the illness can lead to severe complications in rare cases.
Most infected individuals show no symptoms, but fatigue and weakness can persist for months. In 1 out of 150 cases, the infection can spread to the brain or nervous system, causing encephalitis or meningitis. One reported case involves a 13-year-old boy who developed Transverse Myelitis, a severe spinal inflammation, attributed to the virus. He is currently hospitalized at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Ranked Top Mosquito Infested City
Los Angeles has once again been named the most-mosquito-infested city in the U.S., according to pest control data from Orkin. The city has held the top spot for six consecutive years, surpassing Atlanta, which previously held the title from 2015 to 2020. The data is based on the number of new residential mosquito treatments conducted by Orkin between March 2025 and March 2026.
Orkin’s report highlights the growing national concern over mosquito-borne diseases, noting that these pests, once concentrated in the Southeast, are now a threat across the U.S. They can spread diseases like West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Zika.
Source: Daily Caller
