This Memorial Day weekend, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District is urging residents to avoid mosquito bites when they are outdoors.

GLACVCD recently confirmed the fourth West Nile virus positive mosquito sample so far this year. The mosquito sample was collected from a vector control trap located in Canoga Park.

Vector control advises residents to take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent. Effective repellents contain EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Residents should also dump and drain any standing water around the home. This prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs in any container that can hold stagnant water.

“The warm weather this weekend draws people outdoors where mosquitoes are present,” said Levy Sun, public information officer. “With West Nile virus actively spreading in L.A. County, it’s even more important for people to prevent mosquito bites.”

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 will require hospitalization. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis, and possibly death.

Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes Update:

Invasive black-and-white mosquitoes remain a concern for vector control officials as spring progresses. The infestation of Aedes mosquitoes has taken hold of more than 20 communities throughout the District in L.A. County. Residents are beginning to report day-biting mosquito problems again this year in various communities. The time to search for and remove containers that hold water is now. Vector control urges residents to stop the infestations from spreading to their homes.

Aedes mosquitoes are invasive to Los Angeles County and are efficient at transmitting (vectoring) Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever viruses. Those viruses are currently not transmitting from mosquitoes to people in L.A. County. However, the importance of avoiding mosquito bites remains the same with Aedes mosquitoes, just as they are with native species that carry West Nile virus.

Read more about Aedes mosquitoes here.

If residents are still experiencing mosquito problems even after dumping and draining all standing water, they can receive help from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656 or visit www.ReportMosquitoes.org.