# West Nile Cases Surge in California

> El Niño weather fuels California's worst West Nile season in nine years.
- Title: West Nile Cases Surge in California · Sfgate | Shortify
- Summary: El Niño weather fuels California's worst West Nile season in nine years. California reports 210 confirmed West Nile infections and 15 deaths this year as El…
- Keywords: west nile, el nino, california, mosquito, culex, aedes aegypti, neuroinvasive infection, dengue fever, lakewood, public health, news, local
- Source: Sfgate — https://sfgate.com/bayarea/article/west-nile-el-nino-california-22454211.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: west nile, el nino, california, mosquito, culex, aedes aegypti, neuroinvasive infection, dengue fever, lakewood, public health, news, local
## West Nile Cases Surge
California reports 210 confirmed West Nile infections and 15 deaths this year, the highest in nearly a decade.
## El Niño Brings Rain
El Niño weather has brought humid conditions and rain to parts of California, refilling mosquito breeding sites.
## Mosquito Population Surge
Culex mosquito numbers have risen sharply since recent rain, with increased activity from invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
## Bird Infections Drive Spread
Infected birds with low immunity have increased mosquito transmission, as warmer weather allows faster virus replication.
## Neuroinvasive Cases Rise
181 people have developed neuroinvasive West Nile infections this year, including one man who collapsed at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
## Public Health Alert
Health officials warn of a surge in cases, with 64 new infections reported on Sept. 25 compared to 25 in the previous week.
## El Niño's Impact
El Niño may bring mild winter temperatures that could boost mosquito activity and increase West Nile and dengue transmission risks.
## Rain Could Help Control Mosquitoes
Heavy rain in Southern California might wash out mosquito breeding sites, reducing larvae populations before they hatch.
## Key takeaway

California reports 210 confirmed West Nile infections and 15 deaths this year as El Niño brings rain that boosts mosquito populations.