More Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Found In LA County

LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed seven additional mosquito samples positive for West Nile virus.

This brings the total number of samples positive for the virus within the district's service area to 13 this year, according to a statement. The new positive samples were collected from six new areas: Winnetka, West Hills, Canoga Park, Granada Hills, La Mirada and Cerritos.

Vector Control is urging residents to take the following steps to reduce the threat:

• Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week;
• Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained;
• Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers weekly;
• Request mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds;
• Wear EPA-recommended insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present;
• Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for the virus. One in five people infected with the virus exhibit symptoms, which can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a 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.

So far this year, 10 human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in California, two of which were identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.