West Nile action

Re “West Nile virus claims Kern County man, 85,” July 25

The Times reports on the increase in West Nile virus cases being “blamed on hot weather and untended pools at foreclosed homes,” and on officials from the California Department of Public Health urging precautions to protect ourselves from mosquitoes.

There’s not much we can do about the weather, but why aren’t the lenders for those foreclosed homes being held responsible for seeing that those abandoned pools are properly cared for? Aren’t they as liable for the consequences of breeding mosquitoes carrying a potentially deadly virus as a drug dealer is liable when the drugs he peddles cause death? Where are the public health enforcers?

Alan Pollack MD

Woodland Hills