LOS ANGELES (AP) -- State health officials say the proportion of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus is at the highest level ever detected in California.
The Daily News (http://bit.ly/1o1DwYT ) cites data that show there has been a 34 percent increase in the number of infected mosquito pools this year, compared with the same time in 2013.
The California Department of Public Health says there have been 181 reported human cases _ a 79 percent increase over last year. Eight confirmed deaths have been reported to health officials.
West Nile is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. Flu-like symptoms can occur. Most people have a low risk of serious illness, but older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions have a greater risk of developing complications.
Information from: (Los Angeles) Daily News, http://www.dailynews.com