Dead Birds in Monrovia Test Positive for West Nile Virus

MONROVIA, CA — West Nile virus is continuing to spread across the Southland, with vector-control officials announcing Thursday that the virus was detected in a swath of the San Gabriel Valley.

According to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, West Nile virus activity was recently detected in Altadena, Arcadia, Azusa, Covina, El Monte, Glendora, Pomona, San Dimas, San Gabriel, Walnut and West Covina.

District officials said dead birds in Altadena, Claremont, Glendora and Monrovia have tested positive for the virus. Several sentinel chickens in the area also tested positive for the virus.

In July, Los Angeles County health officials confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this year, and a human case was reported in Orange County last month.

Symptoms of West Nile may never materialize, but can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.

Mosquitoes typically become carriers of the virus after feeding on an infected bird and can then spread the potentially lethal strain to animals and humans.

To reduce exposure to West Nile virus, residents are urged to:

• limit outdoor activity at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are generally on the move;
• wear pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors;
• use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or products containing IR3535;
• ensure door and window screens are in good condition and fitted properly to keep bugs out; and
• get rid of standing water — aside from pools properly treated with chemicals — to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed, including flower pots and pet bowls.

— City News Service contributed to this report, photo via Shutterstock