Along with sunburns, summertime brings risk of West Nile Virus

Lance Cpl. Mike Atchue

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Southern California is renowned for its year-round mild weather, and residents often increase their outdoor activities during the warm summer months. Although most are aware of the sun’s harmful rays, many often forget about the pesky mosquitoes that can spread more than just an annoying itch.

The main disease of concern every summer, due to the population increase of mosquitoes, is the West Nile Virus (WNV). The disease was first reported in California in 2003 and is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the United States.

The ail...