From CBS Los Angeles
September 30, 2020

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Spreading diseases such as malaria, West Nile and Zika, mosquitoes are among the deadliest animals in the world.

To date, California officials have reported a total of 91 West Nile virus cases in people statewide. Of those, L.A. County Public Health said it has identified 27 local cases.

West Nile virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S.

Mosquito season is typically from March to late October or early November, and there are currently no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat the disease in people.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick, but one in five people experience a fever and other symptoms, the CDC says.

About one out of 150 infected people develop serious and sometimes deadly reactions to the disease, according to health experts.

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From EurekAlert!
September 28, 2020

In a study published in Autophagy, researchers at the University of Maryland (UMD) shed new light on how Zika virus hijacks our own cellular machinery to break down a protein that is essential for neurological development and cellular communication, getting it to “eat itself”. By triggering this process known as autophagy, Zika virus is able to degrade an important protein, a process that may contribute to the development of neurological or brain deficiencies and congenital birth defects in the newborns of infected pregnant women. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of how this process takes place, researchers are coming closer to developing therapeutic interventions to prevent congenital birth defects such as microcephaly caused by Zika virus infection in pregnant mothers.

“The Zika virus is able to disrupt our cellular mechanisms to create a conducive environment to replicate,” explains Yanjin Zhang, associate professor in Veterinary Medicine at UMD. “It upregulates some proteins and downregulates others that have antiviral roles, manipulating and interfering with cells to its own advantage. In this case, it looks like the KPNA2 protein may have some antiviral effects, so the virus uses the natural cellular self-destruction process called autophagy, or self-eating, to get rid of KPNA2.”

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From the Winters Express
September 24, 2020

A Yolo County resident became ill with West Nile Virus last month and is now recovering, the county reported Saturday.

This is the first human case of the mosquito-borne virus documented in the county this year. Statewide, at least 16 counties have reported human West Nile cases, affecting around 60 people. Since 2003, there have been 7,000 confirmed human cases and more than 300 deaths, according to the state.

Yolo County officials did not provide additional details about the local case, including city of residence, but West Nile activity has been found in mosquito samples and dead birds throughout the county, including in the city of Davis.

The virus is transmitted to people via the bite of infected mosquitoes, making mosquito control key to preventing spread of the illness.

Dr. Mary Ann Limbos, the county’s deputy public health officer, said Saturday the county resident diagnosed with West Nile “is now recovering,” but said the risk of contracting West Nile Virus in the county at this time of year remains.

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From CBSLA
September 24, 2020

THOUSAND OAKS (CBSLA) — A non-native mosquito capable of carrying dengue and Zika virus has been detected in Thousand Oaks, the second instance it has been found in Ventura County.

Aedes aegypti mosquitos have been detected in Thousand Oaks, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division said in a news release Wednesday. The first detection of the mosquito was on Sept. 9 in Simi Valley, officials said.

Officials described the Aedes aegypti as a small, aggressive day-biting mosquito that has been spreading in many California communities. It is capable of transmitting viruses like dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika, but authorities say those viruses are not currently being transmitted in California.

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From VC Star
September 23, 2020

Ventura County officials have found specimens of an invasive and potentially dangerous species of mosquito in Thousand Oaks several days after the mosquito’s presence in the county was publicly shared.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, also known as yellow fever mosquitoes, were first detected in Simi Valley on Sept. 9, according to the Ventura County Environmental Health Division. The species is identifiable by the white stripes on its back and legs and is able to carry viruses such as Zika, yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya. They are described as small and aggressive day-biting mosquitoes, according to authorities.

Though the species can carry potentially fatal diseases, no known cases of transmission have been recorded in California.

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From KRCR News
September 23, 2020

CHICO, Calif. — For the first time in Butte County the mosquito commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito has been found.

The invasive species was discovered September 17 in northeast Chico in the area of East Avenue and Mariposa Avenue.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito has been detected previously in other areas of California, but never in Butte County. Aedes aegypti have the potential to transmit viruses such as chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika, that are not known to be transmitted by Butte County’s native mosquitoes, and to date, have not been detected in Aedes aegypti in California.

“The District is working to evaluate the extent of the infestation and we plan to do everything we can to eradicate this mosquito and to protect our residents from the potential disease risk of these invasive mosquitoes,” said Matt Ball, District Manager. “Our goal is to control and eliminate this species of mosquito so that it does not become established in our community.”

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From the Ventura County Star
September 21, 2020

A potentially dangerous species of mosquito not found before in Ventura County has emerged in Simi Valley with more people reporting bites every day.

“We are being flooded with calls,” said Ron Ventura, supervisor with the Ventura County Environmental Health Division. “We’re getting a dozen calls a day at least.”

The small black mosquito with white stripes on its back and legs is called Aedes aegypti or yellow fever mosquito. Found in Kern and Los Angeles counties and long suspected of having crossed into Ventura County, the aggressive day-biting insect was found in Simi Valley on Sept. 9 after a resident reported being bitten.

The mosquitoes generate concern because they have the potential to transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

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From the Sacramento Bee
September 19, 2020

Yolo County health officials announced Saturday that a resident of the county contracted West Nile virus last month, the first case of the virus in a human there reported this year.

In a news release, the county’s Health and Human Services Agency said that the person was infected last month and is recovering.

“Although this patient is now recovering, it is important to note that there is a risk of contracting West Nile virus in Yolo County this time of year,” Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Limbos said in a prepared statement.

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From The Press
September 19, 2020

The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) has confirmed two sentinel chickens and three dead birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

Two birds are from Brentwood, one is from Concord. This is the first bird from Concord to test positive for WNV this year. Both chickens are from Holland Tract in East Contra Costa County. These are the first sentinel chickens of the year to test positive for WNV in Contra Costa County.

Certain types of birds may carry WNV. When a mosquito bites an infected bird, the mosquito can become infected and transmit the virus to another bird or a person through a mosquito bite.

Chickens serve as sentinels of WNV transmission in a particular area because when an infected mosquito bites a chicken, the chicken is naturally resistant to WNV and does not get sick. Chickens do, however, develop antibodies that can be detected in lab tests and confirm when they have been exposed to WNV. Due to their antibodies, chickens are an important tool in the District’s Integrated Vector Management (IVM) approach to reducing the risk of WNV.

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From Spectrum News 1
September 17, 2020

LOS ANGELES — As Americans continue to focus on the Coronavirus, mosquito experts want locals to be cognizant of another virus moving back into Los Angeles: West Nile.

Studies show that a mosquito is the deadliest animal in the world in terms of how many humans it kills every year. 

The Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District (GLAVCD) technicians answer calls for problem areas and educate communities on how to eliminate sources.

Ryan Rothenwander is a GLAVCD specialist who explained how an abandoned driveway full of junk can became the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

“These buckets and containers that, when it rains, water will get stuck inside there, and as it warms up again the mosquitoes lay their eggs on the inside of the container and they start breeding like crazy,” Rothenwander explained.

The house is one of about 50 the Rothenwander consistently checks, in addition to answering calls from residents who can’t find the source of their mosquito problems.

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From Contagion Live
September 16, 2020

Given the range of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases is environmentally determined, changes in the environment mean changes in where these diseases are most likely to spread.

West Nile virus spreads most efficiently in the United States at temperatures between 75.2–77 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a new study published in the journal eLife.

The results imply that climate change may lead to the increased spread of West Nile in some places, while causing a decrease in spread elsewhere.

“As the climate warms, it is critical to understand how temperature changes will affect the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases,” said lead author Marta Shocket, who is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles.

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From the Daily Democrat
September 16, 2020

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced that it has detected the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti in Yolo County.

According to Luz Marie Robles, public information officer for the district, the adult female mosquito was found in a trap near East and Main street in Winters.

This is the first discovery of invasive mosquitoes for the 2020 season within District boundaries and the first detection ever in Yolo County, Robles reported.

“As part of our ongoing surveillance program, we have been setting traps looking for invasive mosquitoes,” said Gary Goodman, district manager. “Finding this mosquito for the first time likely means it could possibly be established anywhere. We will continue to work diligently to look for and identify locations where these mosquitoes can be breeding.”

From the Antelope Valley Press
September 16, 2020

From the Sacramento Bee
September 15, 2020

Authorities on Tuesday announced the first ever detection in Yolo County of an invasive mosquito that prefers to bite people during the day and has the potential to transmit serious diseases, including Zika.

The adult female Aedes aegypti mosquito, more commonly known as a yellow fever mosquito, was found in a trap near East and Main streets in Winters, according to a news release from the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District. Officials planned to set up additional traps in surrounding neighborhoods to help assess the spread of the infestation.

“Finding this mosquito for the first time likely means it could possibly be established anywhere,” District Manager Gary Goodman said in the news release. “We will continue to work diligently to look for and identify locations where these mosquitoes can be breeding.”

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From The Daily Journal
September 15, 2020

From The Press
September 11, 2020

From Pasadena Now
September 10, 2020

Fall is a great time to enjoy outdoor space but beware: Aedes mosquitoes are most active during this time.

The notorious ankle-biting, black-and-white striped mosquitoes don’t go away when summer fades. Instead, they continue to pester humans well into October.

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is reminding residents to wear repellent to avoid being bitten. Use any of the following CDC-recommended active ingredients found on a repellent bottle: Oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, DEET, or IR3535.

In addition, according to the city’s in-house news magazine In Focus, take time to clear out any dense vegetation around the home. Dense vegetation in the form of ivy, hedges, and large bushes can provide resting sites for mosquitoes.

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From the Event-NewsEnterprise
September 10, 2020

Have you seen more mosquitoes than usual in Orange County this year? It is 2020, after all. Mosquito and Vector Control District officials have found the first sample of mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus in Costa Mesa, prompting another warning Wednesday to residents to help with the battle against the pests by tipping out stagnant water around their homes and using insect repellent.

The sample of mosquitoes was collected Aug. 27 from Fairview Park in Costa Mesa and the batch tested positive for the virus on Friday, said Heather Hyland of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Two Orange County residents, including a child, have been infected with the virus so far this season, Hyland said.

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From The Conversation
September 9, 2020

As it becomes too warm for comfort, the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria may lose the battle against climate change in Africa. But a new foe is on the horizon.

When temperatures are too hot for malaria parasites and the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit them, conditions may be just right for a different mosquito called Aedes aegypti to thrive. This new mosquito brings the threat of many viruses that it carries.

I have been working on vector-borne diseases, including malaria and multiple arthropod-borne viral diseases, for over 20 years. A new paper by Erin Mordecai and colleagues published in Lancet Planetary Health presents an intriguing look into the future where hot temperatures caused by global warming make much of Africa inhospitable for malaria but other mosquito-borne diseases become widespread.

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From the Red Bluff Daily News
September 7, 2020

RED BLUFF — A sentinel chicken in Tehama County has been confirmed to have West Nile virus, according to a press release from the Tehama County Health Services Agency and Mosquito and Vector Control District.

The diagnosis was confirmed by the California Department of Public Health Vector-Borne Disease Section lab in Sacramento, the release said. Sentinel chickens have their blood checked to detect the presence of West Nile virus and do not develop symptoms.

It is important for county residents to take measures to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. Late-spring rains have caused standing water, which is a breeding source for mosquitoes, the release said. Hot temperatures are a contributing factor to the increasing numbers of mosquitoes breeding, which then increases the risk of virus transmission to humans.

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From the Daily Californian
September 7, 2020

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, or NIAID, granted nearly $8 million to UC Berkeley School of Public Health researchers Eva Harris and Josefina Coloma to study mosquito-borne viruses and pandemic preparedness in Asia and the Americas.

With the funds, which will be distributed over the next five years, Harris and Coloma will establish the American and Asian Centers for Arbovirus Research and Enhanced Surveillance, or A2CARES, on campus. Arboviruses are a class of viruses that are spread by mosquitoes and other arthropods — Zika, dengue and chikungunya are all caused by mosquito-borne arboviruses and will be studied further by Harris and Coloma, according to Harris.

A2CARES will be part of the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases, or CREID, consortium that includes several institutions in the United States and one in France, according to the CREID website. CREID will have research centers around the world, including Ecuador, Sri Lanka and Congo.

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From EurekAlert
September 3, 2020

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause severe abnormalities in the fetus, including malformations such as microcephaly. In a small proportion of cases, the disease may lead to miscarriage and perinatal death. A network of more than 30 Brazilian researchers set out to find the causes of these problems with the support of FAPESP and obtained important results after half a decade of hard work. A paper describing their findings has been published in the journal Science Signaling.

“We show for the first time what happens in the fetal brain affected by congenital Zika syndrome [CZS],” Helder Nakaya, who is the last author of the paper, told Agência FAPESP. Nakaya is a bioinformatics specialist, a professor at the University of São Paulo’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCF-USP), and a senior scientist at the Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), which is one of the Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers (RIDCs) funded by FAPESP.

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From the Lake Forest Patch
September 3, 2020

From The Fresno Bee
September 3, 2020

A Madera County man in his 90s died in August from the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus, the county health department reported Thursday.

The county said it is the first confirmed case of SLEV in California this year and the first in Madera County since 1976.

The health department, through preliminary testing, thought it was the West Nile virus before the test confirmed it was SLEV.

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From the Los Alamitos Patch
September 2, 2020

From the Antelope Valley Press
September 1, 2020

From the Daily Bruin
August 31, 2020

Los Angeles County residents should take precautions against a disease spread by mosquitoes, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said.

West Nile virus, a virus transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite from an infected mosquito, can invade the central nervous system and be deadly. Symptoms of infection vary from mild fever and rashes to paralysis and coma. People and animals are susceptible to the virus.

There has been one WNV-related death and five cases of WNV this year in LA County, according to the LACDPH. 35 people have contracted WNV in California, according to the California Department of Public Health. Last year, there were 29 cases and 3 deaths in LA County.

Less than 1% of people infected with WNV have severe symptoms, while about 10% of people with severe symptoms die, said Paul Allyn, an infectious disease specialist at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

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From Champion Newspapers
August 29, 2020

From KRON4
August 29, 2020

BRENTWOOD, Calif. (BCN) – More birds and trapped mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus were found recently in Contra Costa County and vector control officials say there’s currently an elevated risk for the virus in the city of Brentwood.

Five of six dead birds testing positive were picked up in Brentwood, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District said Friday. The remaining bird was found in Antioch.

In addition, six groups of mosquitoes testing positive were found in Palm Tract near Knightsen, Discovery Bay, and Brentwood.

Although the risk is higher for Brentwood, the virus isn’t restricted to that area, according to Steve Schutz, the district’s scientific program manager.

“Residents countywide should be taking precautions against mosquito bites,” said Schutz. “We appreciate members of the public reporting dead birds – this helps our agency identify where the virus hot spots may exist.”

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From the Merced Sun-Star
August 28, 2020

Merced County’s first confirmed human West Nile virus infections of the year were traced to the City of Merced, according to Merced County Mosquito Abatement District news release.

The two infected individuals, both women aged 60-80, likely contracted the disease in mid-August, according to the Merced County Department of Public Health.

As of Aug. 21, human West Nile virus cases tally 27 in California. The disease is most typically transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

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From Bakersfield.com
August 28, 2020

From the Valley News
August 26, 2020

The mosquito-borne Zika virus can defeat a person’s immune system by drilling into the cellular defenses needed to combat diseases, according to research by a pair scientest from University of California Riverside.

Jikui Song, biochemistry professor of University of California Riverside, and virologist Rong Hai were joined by researchers from University of California Los Angeles in producing a study on Zika virus’s microlevel interactions, published in the most recent edition of Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.

Key elements of the research spotlighted how Zika pathogens damage a person’s immune response by penetrating defender cells known as interferons.

“Suppressing host immunity is a common strategy employed by viruses to achieve successful infection,” Song said.

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From KRCR 7 News
August 26, 2020

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District (SMVCD) identified two species of invasive mosquitoes on Wednesday.

While responding to an initial report of the invasive Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever Mosquito), SMVCD staff found and identified the Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito).

SMVCD says the Asian Tiger Mosquito was found near a central Shasta County neighborhood west of Highway 273 and Market Street, and north of Lake Boulevard.

The California Department of Health confirmed the invasive species detection.

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From the Record Searchlight
August 26, 2020

A second invasive mosquito species has for the first time been discovered in Shasta County, the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Wednesday.

Larvae from the Asian tiger mosquito were found in standing water at a Redding neighborhood near Highway 273/Market Street and north of Lake Boulevard.  

The California Department of Public Health confirmed the detection of the invasive species in the county.

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From KGET
August 26, 2020

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – La Thao, with Kern Mosquito and Vector Control, joined 17 News at Sunrise to explain why the aedes aegypti mosquito is biting residents across Kern County, causing frequent bites on ankles.

Thao suggests people dump standing water sources and scrub the containers to mitigate the mosquito presence in their yards. People are also advised to use repellent with DEET in it and reapply it often as the mosquito likes bite several times.

Although the mosquito will most likely slow down in cooler weather, it is expected to come back in the spring.

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From the Berkeley News
August 26, 2020

A 27-month trial in Indonesia of a unique method of mosquito control shows that the strategy can reduce the incidence of dengue — a mosquito-borne viral disease of the tropics that threatens nearly half the world’s population — by 77%.

The method, which employs Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected by bacteria called Wolbachia, effectively prevents dengue-infected mosquitoes from passing on the virus when they bite people. The study, the preliminary results of which were released today (Wednesday, Aug. 26), looked only at dengue, but the mosquito control strategy may likely work for other viruses carried by A. aegypti mosquitoes, including Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever.

“It is a huge breakthrough,” said Nicholas Jewell, a Professor of the Graduate School at the University of California, Berkeley, who designed the study and led the statistical analysis. “We’ve now shown that it works in one city. If this can be replicated and used widely, it could eradicate dengue from several parts of the world for many years.”

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From the Lake County News
August 24, 2020

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The recent high temperatures and unusual summer rain have created an opportunity for mosquitoes and West Nile virus to thrive.

This year, five samples of mosquitoes collected in Lake County tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Lake County Vector Control District.

The WNV-positive mosquito samples were collected near Clearlake Oaks, Lower Lake, Middletown, and Upper Lake (2); all were Culex tarsalis (western encephalitis mosquito), Vector Control said.

“Both mosquito and West Nile virus activity increase when the overnight temperatures are 60°F or warmer,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “With so many other things happening, like the fires and COVID-19, many people don’t think about mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquitoes cannot transmit coronavirus, but they transmit West Nile virus. The best way to protect yourself is avoid mosquito bites. If you plan to be outside when mosquitoes are active, apply an effective repellent that contains Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or DEET.”

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From The Press
August 24, 2020

From Recordnet.com
August 23, 2020

St. Louis Encephalitis has been discovered in San Joaquin County, and the San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District asks the public to take precautions and protect themselves from mosquito bites.

The SLE virus was found in a group of collected mosquitoes in ZIP code 95240, which includes Lodi, Victor and Lockeford.

“This is the first find of St. Louis Encephalitis in San Joaquin County since a human case identified in 1973,” said Aaron Devencenzi, a spokesman for the district.

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From The Sacramento Bee
August 19, 2020

Aggressive day-biting mosquitoes that can transmit yellow fever, Zika, dengue and other serious illnesses have been in traps set in Yuba City, public health officials announced Wednesday.

”Our goal is to control and eliminate this mosquito population.” said Stephen Abshier, the manager of the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito & Vector Control District. “We are doing everything we can to help ensure this mosquito does not become established in our communities.”

Abshier reported that the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were collected Friday morning and identified on Tuesday. His team is trying to evaluate the extent of the infestation and will work to eliminate it.

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From The Atlantic
August 19, 2020

or about a week this past September, I adopted a wellness routine that—at the time—felt like neurotic overkill. I didn’t bother with masks or hand sanitizer; back then, the virus we now know as SARS-CoV-2 was still presumably nestled in the warm body of an unknown animal. Instead, each morning, I spritzed my arms and legs with picaridin, a chemical repellent meant to ward off parasitic bugs. Then I covered myself with one of several increasingly crusty sets of khaki pants and long-sleeved shirts that I had infused with the insecticide permethrin. Only then, force field up, would I venture outside.

I had come to Dakar, Senegal, to get close—but not too close—to Aedes aegypti, a globally invasive mosquito that is arguably the worst animal in the world. The species carries yellow fever and dengue, both of which can cause more severe disease in young adults than SARS-CoV-2; Zika virus, which can lead to birth defects; and chikungunya virus, which can leave victims with debilitating joint pain.

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From the Antelope Valley Press
August 19, 2020

From NBC 7 San Diego
August 19, 2020

It seems like the plot of a ripped-from-the-headlines episode of “TheTwilight Zone”:

A pandemic hits, then people shut themselves away inside homes and businesses. In Act 2, a heat wave rolls in, and, with it, rolling blackouts. In the final act, too hot to stay indoors, people wander outside, where, in the dark, lurks another invisible pest. And the Easter egg lying in wait as the credits roll? The bugs attack in daylight too!

Ok, maybe we’re being a little dramatic, but some are saying that there are MOSQUITOES in San Diego this year, and they’re really biting.

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From 10 WJAR
August 19th, 2020

If you’re in Rhode Island and think you spotted a giant Asian hornet, which is also known as the “murder hornet,” environmental experts are asking you not to get too worried.

“Calm all the buzz,” the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management noted in a tweet Wednesday.

“There’s little risk of them being present in RI in 2020,” according to DEM. “Chances are you’ve spotted a local look-a-like that are not a threat to wildlife or our ecosystem.”

DEM noted that there are several native wasps in the state.

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