National Mosquito Awareness Week educates residents about the importance of eliminating mosquitoes and preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases
SACRAMENTO, June 17, 2020 – As the weather heats up and residents head outside, mosquito experts encourage community members to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases they can spread when they bite. West Nile virus is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California had the highest number of West Nile virus disease cases in the nation in 2019, with 225 cases reported. Comparatively, Texas had 32 cases and Florida had two cases in 2019. There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, a disease that can cause debilitating cases of meningitis, encephalitis, and even death.
However, West Nile virus isn’t the only mosquito-borne threat in California. Newly established invasive Aedes mosquitoes can transmit viruses such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, all of which are costly to treat and can have long-term health and financial consequences. These mosquitoes are established in many areas of California and are steadily expanding their range.