from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) has confirmed six additional West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples in four communities within the District.
The Vector Control district identfied WNV-positive mosquitoes in Whittier, Silverlake, and Northridge, and three in Winnetka.
This is the first sign of virus activity in Whittier, Winnetka, and Northridge. So far this year, GLACVCD has identified a total of 10 WNV positive mosquito samples and one WNV positive dead bird within its jurisdiction.
Residents can take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their neighborhoods by taking the following steps:
- Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week.
- Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.
- Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers weekly.
- Request FREE mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas, and ponds.
- Report mosquito activity near vacant or foreclosed homes.
- Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood.
West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for West Nile virus. One in five persons infected with West Nile virus will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms usually occur between 5 and 15 days and can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for several weeks to months. One in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis, and possibly death.
The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts because birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus. To reach the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), call their toll-free hotline at 1-877-WNV BIRD or visit them on-line at www.westnile.ca.gov.
For more information, please contact GLACVCD Director of Community Affairs Truc Dever at (562) 244-2648 or visit www.glacvcd.org.
