The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed an additional 29 West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples this week, collected from ten cities in the Greater Los Angeles area, including the 91502 area. West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals (birds and horses) by infected mosquitoes. Only certain species of mosquitoes carry the virus and very few mosquitoes are actually infected. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. Those who do become sick may have symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes, generally lasting a few days.

“We traditionally see an increase in West Nile virus activity as the summer progresses,” says Susanne Kluh, Director of Scientific-Technical Services. “This rise in activity is occurring later in the season than previous years, but the amount of activity is not unusual.”

Kluh adds that incidences of West Nile Virus activity are below average this year when compared to previous years. County vector officials want to remind residents that the virus is endemic to California and will continue to be a threat each year. Kluh encourages residents to continue doing their part and taking the proper precautions to protect themselves and their families from West Nile virus.

How To Protect Yourself Against West Nile Virus:

·        Inspect all areas around your home. Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week to break the mosquito life cycle.

·        Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.

·        Change the water in pet dishes and replace water in birdbaths weekly.

·        Fix leaky faucets and sprinklers that may create puddles.

·        Avoid over-watering your lawns and gardens to prevent excess run-off.

·        Wear long sleeve shirts and pants outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

·        The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

·        Keep tight fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes.

·         Call the District to request FREE mosquitofish for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas, and ponds.

For more information, call the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562)944-9656 or visit their website.

Photo Courtesy of the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.

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