Public Safety

Greater Los Angeles reports West Nile activity above five-year average

Vector-control officials say the county has recorded more than 100 human cases and five deaths as infected mosquito samples and dead birds exceed last year’s totals.

Image credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unrestricted; archival illustrative photograph of a female Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito, not a 2026 Los Angeles County sample

West Nile virus activity across Los Angeles County is running above the five-year average, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District reported September 28. The agency said county public-health officials had recorded more than 100 human cases and five deaths, while detections in mosquitoes and dead birds were also elevated.

What it means locally

The district reported 384 West Nile-positive mosquito samples and 78 positive dead birds so far in 2026, compared with 104 positive mosquito samples and two positive dead birds at the same point last year. Officials said Culex mosquito abundance remained below the five-year average, but an unusually mild winter and periods of warm weather may have contributed to earlier disease activity. Residents are advised to use effective repellent, wear loose long sleeves and pants, remove standing water and report neglected pools or dead birds. The accompanying CDC photograph shows a resting female Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito; it is an unrestricted illustrative image and does not depict a Los Angeles County sample.

Full report and further details: Read original report →