PRESS RELEASE - Several Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile virus in Lancaster, CA
For Immediate Release
August 6th, 2026
Contact: Brenna Bates-Grubb-Community Outreach Specialist
Zachary Russell- Mosquito Surveillance Technician
West Nile virus is endemic in the Antelope Valley and the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District continues to urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites!
Lancaster, CA, August 6th, 2026: Mosquitoes collected from mosquito traps around several places in East Lancaster have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These areas are:
J8 and 21st Street West
K8 and Challenger Way
K and 21st Street East
Lancaster Blvd and 25th street East
K and 25th street East
By the end of mosquito season last year, Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (AVMVCD) had detected 2 WNV positive mosquito samples for the entire season. So far for the 2026 mosquito season, 5 total samples have tested positive for WNV in the Antelope Valley. The uptick in WNV detections this mosquito is part of a statewide trend as mosquito districts throughout California report similar surveillance findings. “Other areas of Los Angeles County and mosquito Districts throughout California have noticed an uptick in West Nile virus positive mosquito samples compared to the 2025 mosquito season.” said Surveillance technician Zachary Russell.
Hot weather allows mosquitoes to breed quickly. Stagnant water turns green more quickly and mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in just 5 days. Mosquito control is a shared responsibility of the property owner and the District. If both parties do their part to get rid of or treat standing water, the entire community will benefit from less mosquitoes and less chances of mosquito-borne diseases, such as WNV. “These West Nile virus positive mosquito samples are a good reminder that West Nile virus is indeed active in the Antelope Valley and that residents need to remain vigilant about personal mosquito control measures around the home,” states District manager Leann Verdick.
AVMVCD personnel will continue to conduct intensive searches of the area surrounding these WNV detections as well as throughout the entire District to keep mosquito populations lowered and reduce the chances of residents getting ill. This includes following up with residents who have been identified as having unmaintained swimming pools. Please report any unmaintained swimming pools to the District as unmaintained swimming pools remain one of the main breeding sources of West Nile virus mosquitoes.
People bitten by an infected mosquito may develop West Nile fever and experience flu-like symptoms that can include fever, body aches, skin rash, and fatigue. In some people, West Nile fever can develop into a more serious neuroinvasive form of the disease, with symptoms such as altered mental status, seizures, paralysis, and can even be fatal.
The District urges residents to do their part to protect themselves from mosquito bites by following these recommendations:
• Check property for any amount of standing water and get rid of it
• When mosquitoes are active, use EPA registered insect repellents that contain one of these main ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535 according to label instructions
•If weather permits, wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible; this reduces the areas of skin in which mosquitoes can access you for a bite
• Make sure your screens on windows and doors are in good repair to avoid mosquitoes inside the home
• Check around faucets, yard drains and air conditioner units. Repair leaks or puddles that remain for several days
• Report daytime biting mosquitoes to the AVMVCD at 661-942-2917
• Report stagnant/dirty pools to the AVMVCD at 661-942-2917
• Report dead birds by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov . This helps the state track potential WNV hotspots
To stay up-to-date on new West Nile Virus activity in the Antelope Valley and any mosquito related information visit our website at https://www.avmosquito.org/west-nile-virus-updates ,
For any further questions or services please feel free to contact the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District by phone (661-942-2917)