West Nile season is definitely not over, as reports are pouring in from all over the country. Meanwhile, health officials in California allege that the foreclosures crisis might have added to the problem, as standing pool water is known to be a favorite spot for mosquito breeding.

Another problem is that, compared to past years, this year's infections are mostly caused by the most virulent strain, which is known to affect the brain and spinal cord, the central nervous system, said Dr. Alton Barron of New York's Roosevelt Hospital Center, speaking on The Early Show Thursday.

In many counties, special larvicide is being sprayed to limit mosquito breeding. Also, several places have issued recommendations that recreation programs should be shortened to avoid exposure at dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes are usually feeding.

One abandoned pool can hatch millions of mosquitoes, and officials are out spreading larvicide, deploying mosquitofish which efficiently eat away eggs and larvae, and using very thin layers of mineral oil, which prevents larvae from receiving vital oxygen.

The season normally begins in April and lasts until September, but due to warm weather this year, the first cases of the West Nile virus have been reported as early as March 19.

Last year, around 120 people died of the virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. West Nile virus was first spotted in New York in 1999 and has since spread westward, ultimately appearing in every state. Last year, the U.S. confronted with no less than 2,630 human cases.

The infection 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.