SoCal West Nile virus surge: how to protect yourself this season

West Nile virus activity is surging early in Southern California, with Orange County detecting the virus in 10 cities and testing 38 mosquito pools, and Los Angeles County reporting 27 positive mosquito samples; nationwide there have been at least 48 human cases by June 30, including 38 neuroinvasive cases, though California has only one confirmed human infection this year. Health officials urge practical prevention: use EPA-registered repellents with DEET/IR3535/oil of lemon eucalyptus/picaridin, wear long sleeves and pants at dawn/dusk, eliminate standing water, repair screens, and report neglected pools or dead birds to local vector control agencies.