West Nile Virus Detection:
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) has confirmed the first mosquito sample to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in the community of North Hills this year. The mosquitoes were collected in traps in the community on July 13th. District staff will place posters around the trap locations to advise residents to use precautions when mosquitoes are present. Attached is also a press release that the District will send out on Monday, July 25th to the media. For the updated numbers, please visit: https://www.glamosquito.org/west-nile-virus-activity-2022
WNV is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for WNV. One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. There is no human vaccine for WNV, and severe cases can lead to paralysis or even death.
Resources for Your City:
The City/Agency Resource page on our website may be helpful for you and your residents: https://www.glamosquito.org/city-and-agency-resources
Please share the information from our social media pages such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram on your accounts; request a blurb for your newsletters or eAlerts from us; or schedule a virtual webinar for your community event. We also have PSAs that you can post on your website, social media pages, or as preview at Drive-in Movie events. Attached are the photos we’ve posted on social media (English and Spanish).
We can also drop off educational materials for your residents or provide a neighborhood council presentation on this year’s activity (virtual or in-person available).
Mosquito Prevention and Protection
Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must 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 mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds.
- Wear insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present.
- Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Have a great weekend!
Anais
Anais Medina Diaz | Public Information Officer
(Pronouns: she/her/ella)
Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
12545 Florence Ave. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Office: 562-944-9656 ext.515
Mobile: 562-360-5440
Santa Fe Springs, CA (June 6, 2022) – The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD/District) has confirmed the first detection of West Nile virus (WNV) activity in Los Angeles County. The virus was detected in three dead American crows collected in the neighborhood of North Hills (91343) on May 26th.
This confirmation serves as the District’s first detection of West Nile virus activity. Mosquito samples have not tested positive for the virus within the surrounding community, nor in Los Angeles County. The dead bird surveillance program serves as an early warning detection tool that helps identify when the virus is actively being transmitted within the bird population. The three dead birds were collected, shipped, and tested at the UC Davis Arbovirus Research and Training Laboratory which provides testing for multiple vector control agencies across the state.
“American crows can fly up to 40 miles each day from overnight roosting sites, so while there has not yet been virus activity detected in mosquito populations in Los Angeles County, this confirmation serves as an alert that mosquitoes may soon become infected and residents should take precautions,” said Director of Scientific-Technical Services Steve Vetrone.
Since West Nile virus is endemic to Los Angeles County, it is typically detected by local public health agencies during summer. Because there is no human vaccine for WNV, residents must be proactive against mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend products with the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus as being safe and effective against mosquitoes that can transmit disease when used according to the labels.
One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or skin rash. These symptoms can last for several days 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. If residents feel they are experiencing symptoms, it is strongly recommended to consult their primary care physician.
Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their neighborhoods by taking these additional 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, bird baths and other small containers weekly.
- Request mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds.
- Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.
For more information, residents can contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at 562-944-9656, online at www.GLAmosquito.org,