With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
West Nile virus: Mosquito infection rate at highest level ever in California
In this file photo, mosquito larvae are seen in a puddle of water next to a creek on June 29, 2012 in Pleasant Hill, California. Public health officials say the proportion of mosquitoes infected by the West Nile virus in the state has reached its highest level ever.
(
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
)
The proportion of mosquitoes infected by the West Nile virus in California has risen to its highest level ever, according to public health officials.
The virus has been detected in 36 counties year-to-date, and more than 181 human cases have been reported to the California Department of Public Health so far in 2014, according to a statement released Wednesday.
Only 101 human cases had been reported by the same time last year, and the five-year average is just 56, according to the latest numbers from WestNile.ca.gov, which is hosted by the public health department and other health agencies.
"Last week, 52 new human cases were reported to CDPH. We expect to see more people become infected as this is the time of year when the risk of infection is the highest," said Dr. Ron Chapman, director of CDPH, in the statement.
Support for LAist comes from
By far most of the human cases (61) have been reported in Orange County. Los Angeles, Fresno and Stanislaus counties have seen 24, 23 and 21 cases, respectively, according to the data.
Humans pick up the virus by being bitten by an infected mosquito, though for most people the risk is low. A very small number of people — roughly 1 percent — can develop serious neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis, according to the statement.
The first deaths in L.A. and Orange counties were reported last week.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
Best of LAist