Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Plague Encino

LOS ANGELES, CA — Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus have been found across Los Angeles County, and authorities confirmed another 26 positive samples Friday.

So far this year, 27 people in Los Angeles County are known to have contracted the virus. While most people will be asymptomatic, the virus can be fatal in rare cases. All together, there have been 264 the number positive samples found in mosquitoes around the county so far this year, vector control officials reported Friday.

According to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, the San Fernando Valley continues to be a hotspot for vector mosquitoes. The number of infected mosquito batches include 14 in Encino and North Hollywood, 13 in Valley Village, 12 in Van Nuys, Pico Rivera, 10 in and Studio City and Toluca Lake.

West Nile virus is endemic in Los Angeles County, and warm temperatures can increase virus activity and mosquito populations, according to the GLACVC. As of Oct. 2, 93 WNV human cases have been reported in California this year.

"The warm fall temperatures help West Nile virus and mosquito season continue later into the year," said Anais Medina Diaz, the district's public information officer. "Residents need to continue practicing mosquito control in their homes by eliminating standing water and wearing insect repellent to protect themselves."

One in five individuals infected with the WNV, for which there is no cure, will exhibit symptoms that include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or skin rash. The symptoms can last for several days 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. Those at greatest risk include seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Residents are urged to:

• apply mosquito repellent containing CDC and EPA-approved active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus before going outdoors and re-apply as recommended on the label;
• wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants;
• close or repair all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home;
• eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week;
• change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers weekly;
• ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained;
• request mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds;
• report neglected (green) swimming pools to the local vector control district.

City News Service and Patch Staffer contributed to this report.