Sonora, CA — A combination of warmer weather and leftover standing water from spring storms has Mother Lode residents and some health officials worried about mosquitoes.

With several cases of West Nile virus discovered in both Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties last year, officials advise residents to take preventative measures.

People are being asked to call their local mosquito abatement office to report standing water pools, which are prime breeding grounds for the insects. It is also advisable to vaccinate horses as soon as possible.

Written by Sabrina Sabbagh