More West Nile Found in Studio City, Encino, Hollywood Hills and More

The Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District (GLACVCD) welcomes all students back to school and wish to remind them and their families that the threat of West Nile virus is still widespread in Los Angeles County.

This week, GLACVCD confirmed WNV-positive test results for 30 mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus.

Studio City, Encino, the Hollywood Hills, Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys were some of the communities where positive tests were located (see the list below.)

Here are three tips to avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit. 

 "West Nile virus is endemic, which means it's here to stay in Los Angeles County," said Levy Sun, GLACVCD public information officer.

1. Understand the Threat - 

About 20 percent of people infected will exhibit flu-like symptoms and one in 150 people infected will require hospitalization. There is no vaccine or cure for the virus. Please refer to the chart below for a breakdown of the latest West Nile virus activity.

City or Community         Zip Code(s)            Number +  mosquito samples 

Bellflower                          90706                      2

Burbank                            91506                      2

Elysian Valley                     90031                     1

Encino                               91436                      1

Granada Hills                     91344                       1

Hollywood Hills                   90068                       1

Los Angeles                        90061                       1

Lynwood                            90262                        1

North Hills                      91406,91343                 2

North Hollywood                91601                         1

Panorama City                   91402                         2

Sherman Oaks             91423,91403                    2

Silver Lake                        90027                          1

Studio City                        91604                          2

Toluca Lake                       91602                          2

Tujunga                             91402                         1

Valley Glen                    91401,91606                   2

Valley Village                       91607                        2

Van Nuys                       91402,91406                  2

So far this year, the District has reported a total of 297 positive mosquito samples and 63 dead birds. In addition, 17 total surveillance chickens have shown antibodies for West Nile virus.

1. Understand the Threat - About 20 percent of people infected will exhibit flu-like symptoms and one in 150 people infected will require hospitalization. There is no vaccine or cure for the virus. Please refer to the chart below for a breakdown of the latest West Nile virus activity.

2. Apply Insect Repellent - Many students play sports or are outdoors from late afternoon to evening. During this time, mosquitoes are active. The District recommends using 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 and Drain - Eliminate standing water on your property. It takes about five days for mosquito eggs in a saucer or dirty pool to hatch into biting adults.

Also, 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 http://www.westnile.ca.gov/ www.westnile.ca.gov.

For more information, please contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at(562) 944-9656 or visit www.glacvcd.org. For media inquiries, please contact GLACVCD Public Information Officer Levy Sun at (562) 325-3271.