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Los Angeles County

All articles tagged with #los angeles county

Westlake Village Raccoon Marks First Rabies Case in LA County Since 1973

Los Angeles County health officials confirmed the first rabid raccoon in the region in over 50 years after an animal was found in a Westlake Village backyard. Four people and a dog were potentially exposed and are receiving post-exposure prophylaxis or quarantine. The incident coincides with a record-breaking year for rabid bat detections in the county, prompting renewed warnings to avoid contact with wildlife.

via The Guardian|

#los-angeles-county #public-health #rabies

public-health6 days ago•2 min saved

First Rabid Raccoon in LA County in 50 Years Triggers Public Health Alert

Los Angeles County health officials issued a warning after a rabid raccoon was found in Westlake Village, marking the first such case in the county in over 50 years. The animal, which appeared sick but not aggressive, exposed a vaccinated dog and four people at a nearby worksite, all of whom are receiving post-exposure prophylaxis. While the specific rabies variant is under investigation, officials suspect a bat-to-raccoon transmission, coinciding with a record 70 rabid bat detections in the county this year.

via New York Post|

#california #los-angeles-county #public-health

health6 days ago•1 min saved

Teen in LA Hospitalized with Rare West Nile Complication After Mosquito Bite

A 13-year-old boy from Long Beach, California, is hospitalized at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles with a severe case of West Nile virus that has caused transverse myelitis, resulting in paralysis and loss of bladder control. While most infections are asymptomatic, this rare neuroinvasive case highlights the potential for rapid, debilitating neurological damage. Los Angeles County has recorded a record number of infections this year, prompting health officials and the patient’s family to urge parents to monitor for early symptoms like rashes and balance issues.

via USA Today|

#health #los-angeles-county #mosquito-borne-illness

california11 days ago•6 min saved

Catalina Island Medevac Crash Kills Three, Including Patient with Severe Allergy

A medical transport helicopter crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Santa Catalina Island on Wednesday evening, killing three people and leaving two others hospitalized. The aircraft, a Eurocopter EC135 P2 operated by REACH Air Medical Services, departed Pebbly Beach heliport at approximately 7:50 p.m. and descended rapidly after reaching 175 feet altitude. Three victims, including a pilot, a nurse, and a 45-year-old patient, were killed. Two survivors, including the patient's son, were rescued and are stable. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, which is the second fatal crash involving REACH aircraft in less than a year.

via Los Angeles Times|

#california #catalina-island #helicopter-crash

accidents-and-incidents12 days ago

Medical Helicopter Crash Off Catalina Island Leaves Two Dead, One Missing

A medical helicopter operated by REACH Air Medical Services crashed into the ocean off Catalina Island shortly after takeoff on Wednesday night, killing two people and leaving two others hospitalized. Authorities confirmed the aircraft is submerged in 240 feet of water, and search operations continued through the night for a fifth individual who remains missing. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred approximately 22 miles from the Los Angeles mainland.

via The Guardian|

#accidents-and-incidents #catalina-island #los-angeles-county

health-and-safety12 days ago•45 min saved

LA County Ties Record for Rabid Bats as Public Health Issues Urgent Warning

Los Angeles County has confirmed 69 rabid bats in 2026, matching last year's annual record before the peak season ends. Officials warn that indoor encounters pose higher risks, with 68% of cases concentrated in the Santa Clarita Valley among canyon bats.

via patch.com|

#bats #health-and-safety #los-angeles-county

health14 days ago•2 min saved

Record Heat and Humidity Drive West Nile Virus Cases to Decade High in LA County

Los Angeles County has recorded 100 West Nile virus cases and five deaths this year, the highest early-season totals in nearly a decade. Health officials attribute the surge to record-breaking warmth and humidity, which have extended mosquito lifespans and breeding cycles. While most infections are asymptomatic, nearly all reported cases this year involved severe illness requiring hospitalization. Officials urge residents to use EPA-registered repellents and eliminate standing water as peak transmission continues through November.

via NBC Los Angeles|

#el-nino #health #los-angeles-county

health18 days ago•2 min saved

L.A. County Declares Second Flea-Borne Typhus Outbreak in Wilshire Center

Los Angeles County health officials issued a warning for a flea-borne typhus outbreak in the Mid-Wilshire area after seven cases were confirmed. Six patients were hospitalized but have since recovered. This is the second localized outbreak in the county this year, following a cluster in Pico-Union. Countywide cases have risen significantly, with 109 reported in 2026 and a record 220 in 2025. Officials urge residents to maintain year-round flea control on pets and secure homes against wildlife.

via latimes.com|

#flea-borne-typhus #health #los-angeles-county

public-health19 days ago•1 min saved

Second 2026 LA Typhus Cluster in Wilshire Center Hospitalizes Six

Los Angeles County health officials are investigating a new flea-borne typhus outbreak in the Wilshire Center neighborhood after seven people fell ill and six were hospitalized. This is the second localized cluster reported in 2026, following an earlier incident in Pico-Union. The outbreak occurs against a backdrop of record-breaking typhus cases in the county, with 109 reported so far this year and 220 in 2025. Health experts attribute the rise to flea exposure linked to rats, stray cats, and opossums, urging residents to maintain year-round pet flea control and prevent wildlife from entering homes.

via New York Post|

#flea-borne-typhus #los-angeles-county #public-health

health-and-environment20 days ago•4 min saved

El Niño Humidity Fuels Record West Nile Virus Surge in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has recorded 100 West Nile virus cases and five deaths this year, the highest early-season totals in nearly a decade. Experts attribute the surge to unprecedented humidity and heat driven by El Niño conditions, which extend mosquito lifespans and increase transmission. Health officials warn that the peak transmission period continues through October, urging residents to use repellents and eliminate standing water.

via Los Angeles Times|

#el-nino #health-and-environment #los-angeles-county

local-news20 days ago

La Verne Evacuations Persist Overnight After MWD Lithium Battery Fire

A hazardous lithium-ion battery fire at a Metropolitan Water District facility in La Verne triggered evacuation orders and shelter-in-place directives on Tuesday, September 22. While the initial blaze was contained, authorities maintained restrictions overnight due to concerns about a second adjacent battery unit. No major injuries were reported, and the water supply remained unaffected.

via CBS News|

#evacuation-orders #la-verne #lithium-ion-fire

health21 days ago•1 min saved

LA County Hits 100 West Nile Cases, 5 Deaths as Season Peaks

Los Angeles County has recorded 100 West Nile virus cases and five deaths this year, the highest early-season totals in nearly a decade. Health officials warn that the majority of diagnosed patients have suffered severe neurological illness requiring hospitalization. As the county remains in peak transmission season, authorities are intensifying mosquito control treatments and urging residents to use repellents and eliminate standing water to prevent further infections.

via ABC7 Los Angeles|

#health #infectious-disease #los-angeles-county

legal26 days ago•19 min saved

Reiner Family Absent as Prosecutors Drop Death Penalty Bid in Nick Reiner Case

Nick Reiner appeared in court without family support as prosecutors confirmed they will not seek the death penalty for the 2025 murders of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. The decision follows consultations with the victims' surviving children, who also requested that grand jury transcripts remain sealed to prevent further trauma. Reiner waived his right to a speedy trial, facing a maximum sentence of life without parole if convicted.

via Page Six|

#legal #los-angeles-county #michele-reiner

crime-and-courts26 days ago

LA DA drops death penalty bid in Nick Reiner case, citing family input and mental health

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for Nick Reiner, who is charged with murdering his parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner. The decision follows a review of mitigating factors and input from the victims' family. Reiner faces a maximum sentence of life without parole if convicted.

via The Guardian|

#crime-and-courts #los-angeles-county #michele-singer-reiner

courts-and-crime1 month ago•16 min saved

D4VD's Bid for Public Defense Draws Wealth Bias Scrutiny

In Los Angeles, Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family claims D4VD (David Burke) should not receive a public defender, arguing Burke is wealthy (5+ billion streams, 16 million monthly listeners, and ownership of multiple companies) and thus should pay private counsel. Burke is charged with murder, continuous sexual assault of a minor under 14, and unlawful dismemberment, and the LA County Public Defender’s Office says he is eligible for representation. A judge indicated there’s enough evidence to move toward trial while decisions on defense funding proceed.

via Rolling Stone|

#celeste-rivas-hernandez #courts-and-crime #d4vd