West Nile Found Mostly in Sherman Oaks and Encino

City or Community            Zip Code(s)               Number of WNV+  samples       

Atwater Village                    90039                                 1

Burbank                               91506                                1

Elysian Valley                       90031                                 1

Encino                                 91436                               2

Granada Hills                         91344                                 1

North Hills                            91343                                  1

Panorama City                      91402                                  1

San Fernando                       91340                                  1

Sherman Oaks                91423,91403                        2

Van Nuys                             91406                                 1

Whittier                              90602, 90605                          2

So far this year, the District has reported a total of 334 positive mosquito samples and 63 dead birds. In addition, a total of 26 surveillance chickens have shown antibodies for West Nile virus. Sentinel chickens are one of the District's surveillance tools used to detect West Nile virus transmission in the area.

The District recommends taking the following steps to protect against mosquito bites:

1. Dusk / Dawn - Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn.
2. Defend - If you are outside where mosquitoes are active, use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites and to reduce the risk of acquiring any mosquito-borne diseases. Insect repellent that are most effective contains EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
3. Dump / Drain - Eliminate standing water on your property. It can take as little as three days for mosquito eggs in a saucer or dirty pool to hatch into biting adults.

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 877-WNV BIRD or visit them on-line at www.westnile.ca.gov.