As California's temperatures remain unseasonably warm, the threat from pesky blood-suckers continues to rise—not vampires, but mosquitoes. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is ringing the alarm bells after six fatalities linked to West Nile virus and a handful of dengue fever cases in LA County.

While the Central Valley sees a high amount of activity, Los Angeles is facing its buggy burden with four locally acquired cases of dengue reported in recent weeks, all without international travel history. These cases follow two similar incidences last year, marking a troubling uptick after years without such reports. With the increased risk of diseases spread by mosquitoes, the CDPH and the local vector control agencies, in a statement made by the California Department of Public Health, urge residents to "take charge of your yard" and fend off these flying disease vectors.

Dr. Tomás Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer underscores the importance of vigilance, stating, "It’s important to remember that mosquitoes are still active well into cooler months." Using EPA-registered repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water are frontline strategies in this fight. Residents have a responsibility to make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and taking the initiative to report day-biting mosquitoes could make all the difference in community health safeguarding.

Checking in with the facts, this season has seen 63 humans catch West Nile virus, a disease where 80% of those bitten won’t even sneeze at the virus. But, at the other end of the spectrum, one percent suffer severe—neurological damage, even death. With no vaccine or treatment available, informed self-guarding is key, as reported by the California Department of Public Health. Dengue fever, though less likely to sustain transmission in California, is no less dangerous, causing a range of symptoms from mild to severe.