With the weather expected to stay hot this week, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) is advising residents to remove standing water from their yards from the recent rainfall.

“The recent rain and expected hot temperatures are perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes that are capable of transmitting West Nile virus,” says Levy Sun, public information officer at GLACVCD. “Luckily, residents can eliminate potential threats and bites by dumping standing water in their yards.”

Additionally, GLACVCD has confirmed more West Nile virus (WNV) positive test results in 25 mosquito samples and three dead birds collected throughout its jurisdiction. This is the first sign of virus activity this year in Burbank, Elysian Valley, Encino, Granada Hills, North Hills, Santa Clarita and Watts. Please refer to the chart below for a breakdown of the latest West Nile virus activity.

So far this year, the District has reported a total of 104 positive mosquito samples and 16 dead birds.

Residents can be vigilant against the threat of West Nile virus in their neighborhoods by following these simple steps to prevent mosquito breeding and guard against mosquito bites:

• Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week.
• Change the water in pet dishes and birdbaths weekly.
• Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained and report neglected pools in your neighborhood.
• Request FREE mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas, and ponds.

• Wear insect repellent containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 when outdoors where mosquitoes are present.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.  There is no cure for West Nile virus. In 2012, 174 human cases of WNV were reported in Los Angeles County, the second highest count documented since 2004. Of those who showed symptoms, 85 percent required hospitalization and 4 percent were fatal.

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 the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656 or visit www.glacvcd.org. For media inquiries, please contact GLACVCD Public Information Officer Levy Sun at (562) 325-3271.