Mosquito experts say that as the state reopens and Californians make summer travel plans, it’s important to pack, and use, insect repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the diseases they can spread. The reminder about wearing insect repellent is part of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, which is celebrated June 20-26 throughout the country.Wearing insect repellent is an important way to prevent the spread of West Nile virus, the most widespread and serious mosquito-borne disease in California. According to the California Department of Public Health, West Nile virus, which is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, was first detected in the eastern U.S. in 1999 and has since expanded across the country. There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, which can cau
