Trapped mosquitoes collected at Torrance's Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve tested positive for West Nile virus on Friday, reports The Daily Breeze. "This is the first (report) on the west side (of the county)," said Bob Saviskas, executive director of the Los Angeles County West Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Control District. more ›

The first human cases of West Nile Virus in LA County this year have been confirmed by health officials. Both victims, described as "middle-aged males who have preexisting health conditions", have been hospitalized and are recovering, according to the Department of Public Health. more ›

Four birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus after being found dead in Cerritos and the San Gabriel Valley, reports the Daily News. Two of the four birds were discovered in Cerritos, one in Baldwin Park and one in Covina. A fifth bird's test is still pending. more ›

So it's apparently "West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week" (are you excited yet?). Whether the mosquito-carried virus worries you or not, public health officials across California are gearing up for a busier than normal season of mosquitos because of this year's higher rate of rainfall. more ›

An asymptomatic blood donor in the Antelope Valley has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, marking the first case for the year, according to LA County health officials. As of June 19th in Los Angeles County, Public Health and the mosquito abatement districts have detected WNV in five dead birds, two mosquito pools, and three sentinel chickens. In past seasons, most of the infected birds and positive mosquitoes have been found in the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and East Los Angeles County areas. more ›

A 48-year-old man in San Bernardino County is the third person this year to die from the West Nile Virus. "The Rialto man, who died Aug. 27, also suffered from preexisting medical conditions, which increased his chances of dying from the virus, officials said. They did not know how the victim, whose name was not released, contracted the virus" reported the LA Times. There have been 132 cases of the virus reported in the state this year. Of those, 97 have been in San Bern., Riverside, Orange and LA counties. There were 380 cases and 21 deaths due to the virus in 2007. The other two virus-related deaths of 2008 happened in Orange County. more ›

The Orange County Health Care Agency reported late this morning that they have confirmed the second West Nile Virus related death this year. On Monday, the agency reported the first virus related death, 72-year-old woman from Buena Park, of 2008 The latest victim was a 64-year-old man from Garden Grove who died sometime this month. The total number of cases in Orange County has risen to 32, the highest number of infections since 2004. Four others have tested positive when donating blood, but showed no symptoms. As to why there is an increase, officials do not know, but with recent home foreclosures and for other economic reasons, pools are not being used or maintained, therefore the still water is a perfect nesting ground for mosquitoes. Stay safe this Labor Day weekend. more ›

The Orange County Health Care Agency has reported the first 2008 death in California resulting from the West Nile virus infection. The victim was a 72-year-old woman from Buena Park. Deanne Thompson, spokesperson for the agency told LAist that Southern California is seeing the biggeset increase in West Nile since 2004 when there were 62 cases in the OC alone. This year, the county has reported 26 cases not including "four asymptomatic dramatic blood donars." As to why there is an increase, officials do not know, but with recent home foreclosures and for other economic reasons, pools are not being used or maintained, therefore the still water is a perfect nesting ground for mosquitoes. more ›

Photo by nopantsxris via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr more ›

Two weeks ago today, a motorist on Wilshire Boulevard came to an intersection and found herself behind somebody who was preparing to turn left. Under normal conditions this would mean slowing down and waiting but since it was a cyclist, the motorist accelerated and screamed “Get out of the road!” The incident escalated and resulted in the arrival of Beverly Hills Police Officer Prenesti who greeted the cyclist by yelling “You idiot!” It’s clear... more ›

Photo by ellwoodite via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr more ›

The utter unpredictability (and potentially huge impact area of tremors) heightens the fear factor. Until now. So LAist doesn�t know which is worse�knowing credible evidence that one be on the way, or complete blissful ignorance. more ›