Mosquitoes and Mosquito-Borne Diseases

The World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, and soccer fans from around the country and world will be traveling to California for matches. CDPH is a resource for all soccer fans in California to learn important disease prevention information. CDC has also provided more information about how to stay healthy while enjoying the tournament.

Visitors to California should protect themselves from mosquito bites, which can spread diseases like West Nile virus. Use an EPA-registered repellent when outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants when you can, and stay in places with screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that are common throughout California. Mosquitoes bite and feed on the blood of animals and humans. After feeding on blood, a female mosquito will lay eggs on or near water. The young stages of a mosquito grow in standing water. There are more than 50 kinds of mosquitoes in California – not all are a threat to humans, but several kinds bite and attack humans, and some can spread diseases (such as West Nile virus) when they bite.

The best way to prevent diseases that are spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself from mosquito bites: use mosquito repellent on clothes and exposed skin when going outdoors (especially at dawn and dusk), and wear long sleeves and pants for extra protection. You can also keep biting mosquitoes from breeding near your home by draining standing water around your yard.