As we are in plain summer season, West Nile virus seems to become more dangerous. The number of West Nile cases has increased four times compared with the same period of the last year when they reached 25. Moreover, 18 California counties have reported cases of infection this year as of Wednesday, Vicki Kramer, chief of the California Department of Public Health’s Vector-Borne Disease Section said according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

State officials blame foreclosures for the majority of West Nile infections, saying they have identified abandoned pools through aerial photography. It is known that standing waters are the areas the favor mosquito population growth the most. One way of counteracting the rapid spread of these mosquitoes is by inserting mosquito-fish populations into the water (which feed on mosquito larva).

In May, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District received 288 requests for service up from 145 in May last year. “All of the evidence is pointing to a very active West Nile season,” said Truc Dever, spokeswoman for the vector-control agency.

Officials warned that people should stay away or eliminate any source of water that would benefit mosquitoes. That means they must inspect their properties for standing water and remove them. Moreover, they should try to protect themselves the best they can from mosquito bites by using insect repellent and avoiding late night outdoor activities.

West Nile virus starts with one bite from an infected mosquito; for some people this could show no symptoms, while for others could manifest through fever, headache, chills, weakness and drowsiness. The most severe cases lead to meningitis or encephalitis, including low levels of consciousness and fatigue.

Specialists at the Center for Disease and Control warn that it only takes a few days for eggs to turn into mosquitoes, and this means they are able to reproduce at an alarming rate, increasing the risk for the West Nile virus to spread.