Health officials have confirmed this year’s first two deaths from West Nile virus in Los Angeles County and are calling on all residents to remain vigilant during peak mosquito season in Southern California. September has been the peak month for human West Nile virus infections in recent years, officials noted, with cases continuing into November. Last year, 300 West Nile infections were reported in Los Angeles County, the highest in more than a decade, according to the county health department. West Nile virus is spread to humans primarily through bites by infected mosquitoes. No human cases of West Nile Virus have been identified this year in Long Beach, which has its own health department.

Source: Los Angeles Times September 10, 2016 19:41 UTC