UPDATE: Bird Infected With West Nile Virus Found in Cerritos

A dead bird infected with the West Nile Virus was found in Cerritos last week, prompting vector control officials to remind residents to protect themselves from the virus by using insect repellent and removing any standing water in their yards.  

So far this year, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) has identified a total of 32 WNV positive mosquito samples and five WNV positive dead birds within its jurisdiction.

The infected dead American Crow was found in the 12000 Viarna Street on May 22, according to GLACVCD public information officer Levy Sun, but pointed out that dead birds aren't always the best indicator for WNV activity.

"Dead birds that come up positive for West Nile virus are an important indicator that the virus is being actively transferred between mosquitoes and birds," Sun told Patch. "However, the location of where the dead bird is found isn’t always the best indicator that the area has West Nile virus activity. Birds, after being infected, can travel miles a day and may die in a different location than where they were originally bit."

Residents should be vigilant against the threat of West Nile virus in their neighborhoods. 

Here are some simple steps to prevent mosquito breeding and guard against mosquito-transmitted illnesses: 

• 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. (Please call the District Headquarters at (562) 944-9656 for free mosquitofish.)
• 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. One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms, which 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.

Report Dead Birds

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, contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at(562) 944-9656 or visit www.glacvcd.org.