Visitors to Central Park may recently have noticed something that could have some park-goers — especially parents — feeling uneasy.
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) posted a flier indicating a recent detection of the West Nile Virus at the much-frequented park.
According to officials at GLACVCD, the activity was noted on August 17.
That detection came on the heels of a recent report released by GLACVCD stating that Los Angeles County saw a marked increase in West Nile Virus activity. The report included two detections in the Santa Clarita Valley: One in Castaic and one in Santa Clarita. The activity reported at Central Park would be the third.
The list also includes two infected chickens housed at Whitney Canyon in Newhall.
“We did confirm new virus activity in the city again on August 17,” said GLACVCD Public Information Officer Levy Sun. “At this point, it is safe to say that West Nile virus is present in our mosquitoes and birds throughout Santa Clarita (and L.A. County).”
West Nile is a virus commonly spread to people by mosquito bites. According to GLACVCD, infection is often mild, but the virus can cause “significant cognitive and neurologic symptoms in some patients.”
Sun said preventing mosquito bites and eliminating standing water is critical in fighting the virus. The Centers for Disease Control recommends products with DEET as the active ingredient, along with Picaridin, IR3535, as well as certain oils from lemon and eucalyptus products, which they classify as safe and effective.
“Key thing here is to make sure your family packs insect repellent when you’re going to be outdoors. This will prevent any bites,” Sun said. “Also, if you notice any standing water around the park, feel free to report it to us at http://www.reportmosquitoes.org/.”
By reporting standing water, Sun said it enables GLACVCD to double check its database to make sure officials visit that water source.
For more information, visit www.glacvcd.org or call 818-364-9589.
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82 Comments
Tarlena Owens wtf
Kirk Mullins
Nena Marquez Ochwatt and Marissa Arlette Ochwatt
Brittany Carlson
Maggie Ortiz Martha Ortiz
Noah Storr be careful
Natalie and Brandon
Are u kidding me?! Is this for real?!?! ?
Yup…thought of you guys and softball with Aiden.
Teri Cruse-Wood uh ya!!!! This is freaking me out ? good thing softball is on a break for a while
Marco Gonzalez
Marc Tyler ewwwww
Adan Torres
Karla Karina Sierra
???
???
Kevin GibersonDanielle Thomas
Tiffany Curcio Marla Gieser
Paula Dahl Curcio
Time to start using essential oils heavily for protection! Message me to find out how to protect your family with natural solutions and zero chemicals!
DoTerra Naturally Essential
Using my lavender oil tomorrow night at Concert In The Park!
Marisol Cruz not sure if close to you or not.
Hi Prima. Yes we are close. Thank you. We’ll be sure not to go there anytime soon
Jennifer J Even be careful on your walks!
Umm… Erick Vianet
☹️
I’m still going to go play on Sunday’s lol
Jolene Kuty
Andrea Mink- Sanchez be careful out there
Raye Diaz ?
Did you wear your mosquito bands???
Ana Rodriguez
Savannah Florido
Andrew Roche
Jessica Calderon-Gonzalez
Dana Acton
Danielle Pena
Nooooo and Anthony was just there yesterday ?
Time to invest in mosquito repellent
Serious!!!!
Use bug spray
Darrell Davis
Desiree Bloom Aburto be careful when you take her to parks
Positivity OnlyAllowed
Daniel Jamieson
Marcy James
Darla Agajanian
Angela Alissa N
Yikes
Trish Contarino
Marco P. Serrano
Freddy Mariano ?
Heather Jon Otzen
Kristina Waldman
Why always at Central Park?
Karen Treen Genny Byars
Great.
?
Ughhhh
Drew Vanacore look. Please remind me to spray the kids today and tomorrow
Lupita Aguilar
Desiree Siggins
Arlene Medina
Ian Hwang ugh
Jamie Lee Cruz. And Katie Lee. Don’t go this park????????
It’s everywhere, the found it a park in Castaic too…
Renee Branson Underwood Dawn Elizabeth
Linda Vinci Lisa CapizzoValerie DionneDiane Marioni
Greeeaaatttt?
Yikes!!?
Rich Clark
I know! I work there.
I noticed the sign last time I ran. Ugh!
Jacob Wood
Nancy Blackwell
Frank C III Blackwell
Dennis Ortiz bug spray all day!
Alexis Cardenas
Using 1 TBS olive oil with 15 drops lavender oil! Mosquitos won’t come near me!
Maurice E Edwards Sr.
Are you sure you didn’t mean lemon eucalyptus essential oil? Lemon and eucalyptus on their own are ineffective against mosquitos, but lemon eucalyptus oil has shown effective results from studies in preventing mosquito bites.