Following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, health officials are working quickly to prevent a looming mosquito outbreak. Nearly 5,000 swimming pools in the burn zone have gone unmaintained, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus, dengue, and Zika.

“A single swimming pool can produce up to 3 million mosquitoes in one month,” said Anais Medina Diaz of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.

As spring temperatures rise, the risk of mosquito-borne diseases increases. The district is most concerned about West Nile virus, which is endemic to Los Angeles County and reappears every summer.

Another threat is the Aedes mosquito, a small black mosquito with white stripes known to spread dengue, Zika, and yellow fever.

Officials stress that homeowners must take responsibility for standing water on their properties, especially swimming pools, even amid post-fire recovery.

The district is urging affected residents to contact them for support. Treatments may include larvicides and mosquito fish, though poor water quality from fire-related ash may impact effectiveness.

This incident highlights how wildfires and climate change can create unexpected public health risks. Los Angeles County residents are reminded to eliminate standing water, report mosquito activity, and stay informed about local vector control programs.