In warm climates like Southern California, multiple species of mosquitoes can bite year-round. While telltale red, itchy bumps are the most common side effect of mosquito bites, these pests can also pass diseases, like West Nile virus, on to humans.<\/p>\n
Most people infected with West Nile virus experience only mild illness or no symptoms at all, but sometimes infections can lead to serious illness.<\/p>\n
You can minimize your family’s risk for mosquito bites and disease-and help your neighbors and community members stay healthy as well-by taking precautions to deter bites and keeping outdoor areas clear of standing water.<\/p>\n
Michael Smit, MD, MSPH, hospital epidemiologist and Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, offers helpful advice and information to families looking to protect themselves from mosquito bites and disease.<\/p>\n
“To protect yourself from mosquito bites and West Nile virus infections, please follow advice that can be found on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and California Department of Public Health websites,” Dr. Smit says. “This includes using EPA-registered insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and draining standing water around your home.”<\/p>\n
It’s also important to understand the details of West Nile virus itself.<\/p>\n
How serious is West Nile virus in California?<\/p>\n
West Nile virus infections in California spiked in 2026, reaching a five-year high.<\/p>\n
The highest concentrations of infections have been reported in Southern California, including East Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and areas of the South Bay like Long Beach and Cerritos.<\/p>\n
One of the reasons mosquito activity has been higher in recent years is due to unseasonably warm, rainy, and humid weather patterns like El Ni\u00f1o. Warmer winters in California means mosquitoes can thrive any time of year.<\/p>\n
West Nile virus in children<\/p>\n
Most kids infected with West Nile virus never experience any symptoms.<\/p>\n
Around 20% of kids may develop West Nile fever.<\/p>\n
Symptoms include:<\/p>\n
\n\tFever
\n\tHeadache
\n\tBody aches and joint pain
\n\tNausea and\/or vomiting
\n\tRash
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