[GLACVCD] – The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District identified West Nile virus activity in multiple communities in Los Angeles County in the past month. So far this year, GLACVCD confirmed WNV-positive test results for 31 mosquito samples, one sentinel chicken and one dead bird.

Please refer to the latest WNV statistics page. While infected mosquitoes were collected from across the District, more than half of the samples came from the San Fernando Valley area.

“West Nile virus activity is definitely picking up,” said Susanne Kluh, the District’s Director of Scientific Technical Services, “We hope residents heed these warnings and help us reduce their risk.”

Asian tiger mosquito eggs

GLACVCD uses a variety of tools to monitor mosquito populations and virus activity in LA County. Vector control routinely monitors mosquito traps throughout the District and tests mosquito samples for viruses that can impact public health. While chickens do not become sick from the virus, the presence of antibodies in their blood indicates active transmission of the virus by infected mosquitoes in the area. Dead birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading WNV, which is why vector control encourages the public to report dead birds. To report dead birds, contact the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on their toll-free hotline at 877-WNV BIRD or visit them on-line at www.westnile.ca.gov.

In addition to monitoring mosquito-borne diseases and controlling populations of vectors, GLACVCD provides assistance to its residents who experience mosquito, midge or black fly problems.

Vector control recommends residents follow the Three D’s of West Nile virus prevention to protect themselves and their families:

Dump/Drain
Eliminate or report standing water on your property because that’s where mosquitoes breed.

Dusk/Dawn
Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.

Defend
If you are outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of lemon eucalyptus.

About West Nile virus
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 five 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 get severely ill. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis, and possibly death.

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