Kern Countyโค Sees Rise in Mosquito Activity, Increasing west Nile Virus Risk
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Kernโข County is experiencing โa surge in mosquito populations due to recent cooler fall temperatures, prompting health officials to warn residents about an increased risk of โWest Nileโ virus.
The Kernโ County Public Health Department recently reported the firstโฃ West Nile virus case of 2025 in the county.As of Tuesday, a total of โnine confirmed cases have been identified this year, with five occurring in just the past two weeks.
Dr. Mark Dery of the โขKern Mosquito and Vector Control explained that continued mild whether – cool โคmornings โฃand warm afternoons – is contributing to the increased mosquitoโ activity. “So until it gets, you know, really โขcold, as long as it’s keeping us โคwith cool mornings, warm afternoons kind of temperatures, we’re goingโ to see an increased mosquito activity,” he said.
During a public event, Dr. deryโ andโ Terry Knight emphasized thatโฃ mosquitoes are breeding in close proximity โto homes. Knight highlighted that these “little ankle biters” are “breeding just in our โfront yards and back yards because they are container breeders.” He specifically noted that neglected, green swimming pools are a majorโฃ factor in boosting mosquito numbers throughout โฃthe city.
Residents with green swimming pools are encouraged to contactโค the kern Mosquito and Vector Control for a free inspection and cleaning service. Knight strongly recommended the use ofโฃ insect repellent as the mostโ effective way to prevent mosquito bites. “The best thing that I โcan โsay is get you some insect repellent,okay. It’s the best way to keep them away from you,” โขhe stated.
Officials also remind residents that mosquitoesโฃ are most active at duskโค and dawn, urging caution during those times.

