# US drought slashes mosquitoes but West Nile cases rise

2026-08-10T09:25:33+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

A historic drought across the US West and Midwest has slashed mosquito populations by 50 to 70 per cent, yet West Nile virus cases have climbed sharply this year, the Times of India reports. Health officials warn that fewer mosquitoes can mean higher disease risk because both insects and infected birds crowd around the same remaining water sources, accelerating transmission. Arizona has recorded the highest concentration of cases and deaths. Climate Central data show the window for West Nile transmission has lengthened by about 18 days annually since the 1970s.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-mosquito-numbers-have-crashed-during-a-historic-drought-but-scientists-say-fewer-mosquitoes-can-still-mean-a-higher-risk-of-west-nile-virus/articleshow/133088108.cms>

Tags: Arizona, climate change, mosquito decline, public health, US drought, West Nile virus
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