Mosquito populations surge in parts of California after tropical storms and triple-digit heat
VENTURA, Calif. — Potent winter storms, summer heat, and tropical storm Hilary have bred a surge of invasive, day-biting Aedes mosquitoes in Califo...
VENTURA, Calif. — Potent winter storms, summer heat, and tropical storm Hilary have bred a surge of invasive, day-biting Aedes mosquitoes in California, spawning in some regions the first reported human cases of West Nile virus in years. The statewide rise has brought 153 West Nile reports so far, more than double last year's, according to the California Department of Public Health. It reflects a nationwide surge of the pest following an increase in rainfall in certain parts of the country and has stoked concern about other mosquito species, prompting urgings for people to drain standing water and take other measures.