News Articles - 2025 - Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District

News Articles - 2025

Close-up of a mosquito feeding on human skin.

What You Need to Know About Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by a virus spread through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito—the same…

West Nile Virus: microscopic view on the left, mosquito vector on the right.

First West Nile Virus Mosquito of 2025 Detected in Coachella Valley — What You Should Know

The first West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample of 2025 in California has been confirmed in North Shore, Coachella Valley, highlighting the ongoing…

Diagram showing mosquito pest control: mass rearing, male separation, irradiation, mating, leading to no offspring.

Sterile Mosquito Release Program Brings Relief in Southern California

For the first time in a decade, experts are seeing real progress against the spread of invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes—known as "ankle-biters"—…

Diagram of the Sterile Insect Technique using irradiation to reduce mosquito populations by sterilizing and releasing male insects.

Sterile Mosquito Release Program Shows Major Success in Southern California

In the fight against dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, public health officials in Southern California are seeing promising results from a…

A horse and a close-up of a mosquito on an orange gradient background.

Horse Owners Urged to Vaccinate Against Deadly Mosquito-Borne Viruses

As spring brings warmer, wetter conditions ideal for mosquito activity, animal health officials are urging horse owners to vaccinate against West Nile…

A group of mosquitoes flying over a murky green swimming pool next to a brick edge, with a fence and trees in the background.

Neglected Pools After Fires Raise Urgent Mosquito Threat in LA

Following recent wildfires in the Eaton Canyon area, public health officials are warning residents that neglected swimming pools could spark a new…

A mosquito on a glass of beer, with a bokeh background.

Why Beer Makes You a Mosquito Magnet

A recent study from Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University has confirmed what many outdoor drinkers may have suspected: beer makes you more…

A mosquito with a magnified inset showing virus particles.

Invasive Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes Detected in South San Jose

Santa Clara County public health officials have identified the first invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes of 2025 in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of…

A close-up of a mosquito on textured blue fabric.

Mosquito Season Returns—Here’s How to Stay Bite-Free

Spring weather means longer days, blooming flowers… and mosquitoes. With rising temps and leftover rainwater, conditions are perfect for mosquito…

A highly detailed close-up of a mosquito, showing its compound eyes and proboscis on a textured surface.

New Drug Turns Human Blood into Mosquito Poison — A Promising Tool Against Malaria

Scientists have identified a surprising way to fight mosquitoes: by turning human blood into a deadly meal. A recent study from the Liverpool School…

A neglected swimming pool with green, algae-filled water, surrounded by debris and fallen outdoor furniture.

Vector Control Targets Mosquito Hotspots in Altadena Burn Zone

Following the Eaton Fire, abandoned swimming pools in Altadena are raising serious public health concerns as potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes…

Silhouette of a mosquito over the shape of California on an orange background.

Post-Rain Mosquito Boom Expected in L.A. — What You Can Do About It

With the rainy season behind us, L.A. County residents can expect more than blooming flowers — they’ll likely see a rise in mosquitoes too. According…

A mosquito on skin, a gloved hand holding a positive dengue test tube nearby.

Dengue Virus on the Rise at Popular Spring Break Destinations, CDC Warns Travelers

As spring break approaches, U.S. health officials are raising concerns about the spread of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne virus surging in popular…

Aerial view of a lush, mountainous island surrounded by blue ocean, with scattered clouds and coastal settlements.

Chikungunya Outbreak in La Réunion Sparks Public Health Concern

French authorities have reported two recent deaths from chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus causing high fever and intense joint pain, on the island…

May contain: animal, insect, invertebrate, and mosquito

Palo Alto Flood Basin to Be Sprayed for Mosquito Control

The Santa Clara County Vector Control District will conduct aerial spraying over the Palo Alto flood basin this Thursday to reduce the population of…

A green, stagnant pool with a mosquito graphic in the corner.

Mosquito Control Efforts Begin in Eaton Fire Burn Area to Prevent Disease Spread

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will begin mosquito treatment efforts on March 17 in areas affected by the Eaton Fire. The…

A person sprays a bottle of mist onto their forearm outdoors.

Extreme Heat May Reduce the Effectiveness of Natural Mosquito Repellents

New research from Ohio State University suggests that extreme heat may weaken the effectiveness of natural mosquito repellents like citronella and…

Two stylized yellow mosquitoes on a teal background.

New Research Aims to Develop Safer, More Effective Mosquito Repellents

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, are using machine learning to identify new mosquito repellents that could provide longer-…

A lizard on a wooden post, displaying an orange throat fan.

How a Lizard Invasion Could Impact Mosquito-Borne Disease Risks

A recent study from the University of Florida explores how changes in lizard populations could influence mosquito behavior and, ultimately, human…

Three birds on grass, two brown and one black with an orange beak.

Rising Mosquito-Borne Disease Threat: Lessons from the UK

A deadly virus is decimating blackbird populations in the UK, offering a stark warning about the growing risks of mosquito-borne diseases. The Usutu…

A vintage portrait of a man with a beard and mustache, wearing a suit and tie.

From Yellow Fever to West Nile: How One Scientist’s Sacrifice Shaped Mosquito Control

At the turn of the 20th century, Jesse William Lazear made a profound sacrifice in the pursuit of medical knowledge. To confirm that mosquitoes were…

A crane fly with translucent wings perched on a blade of grass against a green background.

Crane Flies: Harmless Lookalikes, Not Super-Sized Mosquitoes

If you’ve ever swatted at what looked like an enormous mosquito, you may have actually encountered a harmless crane fly. Despite their appearance…

Close-up of a mosquito on a leaf with a green background.

Warm Winter Weather Brings Early Mosquito Emergence in California

Unseasonably warm temperatures have led to an early surge of mosquito activity in Butte County, and similar patterns may impact Los Angeles County…

Two world maps showing heat distribution, likely indicating areas of high density or activity, with a color gradient legend.

New Study Finds Mosquitoes May Evolve to Survive Climate Change

A recent study from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health suggests that mosquitoes may be more adaptable to rising temperatures than previously…

Small black tadpoles swimming in a greenish water pool surrounded by rocks.

Voluntary Pool Reporting Program

Mosquitoes pose a significant public health risk by transmitting diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika, and dengue fever. Stagnant water is one of…

A small insect is encased in a clear, circular resin, held between two fingers.

What Happens to Mosquitoes in Cold Weather?

As temperatures drop, many assume mosquito season is over. However, mosquitoes don’t all die in winter—some enter dormancy, waiting for warmer weather…

Philippine Village Fights Dengue with Cash-for-Mosquitoes Campaign

In response to a 40% rise in dengue cases across the Philippines, the village of Addition Hills in Mandaluyong City has launched an unusual initiative…

Close-up of a mosquito with an engorged abdomen, likely filled with blood.

FDA Approves First Chikungunya Vaccine

The FDA has approved Vimkunya, the first-ever vaccine to prevent chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease. The vaccine is approved for people ages…

A close-up of a mosquito feeding on human skin, showing its proboscis and detailed body markings.

Could Disrupting Mosquito Hearing Be the Key to Controlling Their Population?

Mosquitoes are responsible for spreading deadly diseases such as malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus, making them one of the most dangerous creatures…

West Nile Virus Can Strike Anywhere, Including Los Angeles

The heartbreaking story of 76-year-old Mike Black Sr., who passed away from complications of West Nile virus after a mosquito bite in Ohio, serves as…

A lakeside scene with small flying insects hovering above the water and grass.

Zika Virus Increases Mosquito Attraction, Enhancing Its Spread

New research has uncovered a troubling discovery: the Zika virus alters human skin, making infected individuals more attractive to mosquitoes. The…

A swarm of small insects flying in the sunlight with green foliage in the background.

Mosquitoes Are Adapting to Climate Change, Threatening Disease Control Efforts

As global temperatures rise, mosquitoes are evolving to survive in hotter conditions, potentially reshaping the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like…

A close-up of a mosquito, with detailed focus on its body and legs, resting on human skin.

London Underground Mosquitoes Have Ancient Origins

A new study has upended the common belief that Culex pipiens f. molestus, also known as the "London Underground mosquito," evolved only a few hundred…

A close-up of a mosquito on a blue surface.

Recent Travel-Related Malaria/Dengue Cases in Yuba-Sutter

Recent travel to Mexico and East Africa resulted in confirmed dengue and malaria cases in Yuba and Sutter Counties, respectively. While local…

Why Some Viruses Prefer Mosquitoes to Humans

Humans possess a remarkable ability to combat viruses. Our immune systems are usually capable of fighting off infections. However, our bodies also…

A mosquito on a green leaf with water droplets.

Doctors Warn of Increased Risk of Ross River Virus and Japanese Encephalitis as Mosquito Numbers Surge

Australians are being urged to take precautions against mosquito bites this summer, as warm and wet weather creates ideal breeding conditions for…

A close-up of a mosquito perched on a twig.

Fighting Mosquito-Borne Diseases with Science: The 'Toxic Male' Breakthrough

Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever claim millions of lives each year, but a groundbreaking new approach may help curb these deadly…

A swarm of large mosquitoes flies over a landscape with a distant view of the Hollywood sign.

New Genetic Biocontrol Could Help Stop Mosquito-Borne Diseases

A revolutionary genetic biocontrol method is offering new hope in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika…

Message of Support and Solidarity for Those Impacted by LA County Fires

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the devastating fires across Los Angeles County. To the families displaced, the first responders working…

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