California has been one of the states that have been hardest hit by the “housing crisis.” According to the May 2008 Case/Shiller Index, home prices in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties have fallen 23% and 25% respectively over the past year. Foreclosures are rising and many houses are now left empty.
The Economist reports (“Meet the new neighbors“) that the housing crisis is spawning a rise in the West Nile virus in California. When homes with pools are left unattended, this creates a breeding ground for West Nile mosquitoes. Public health officials have reported that the West Nile virus has reached record levels in southern California.
Looks like the housing crisis may create a public health crisis as well.