Last week, the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District (GLACVCD) confirmed positive test results for 29 mosquito samples tested for West Nile virus. In addition, nine dead birds tested positive for the virus.
Here are three tips to avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit.
Understand the threat
“It isn’t unusual to see increases in virus activity around this time,” said Levy Sun, GLACVCD public information officer. “Everything you learned last year about West Nile virus will be put to the test again this year.”
Twenty 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.
So far this year, GLACVCD has reported a total of 170 positive mosquito samples and 18 dead birds.
Apply insect repellent
Many students play sports or are outdoors from late afternoon to evening. During this time, mosquitoes are active. GLACVCD recommends using insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites and to reduce the risk of acquiring any mosquito-borne diseases. Insect repellent that is most effective contains EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Tip and toss
Tip over and toss out any stagnant, dirty water in containers around the home. It takes as little as five days for mosquito eggs 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. Visit westnile.ca.gov to report dead birds.
For more information, contact GLACVCD at (562) 944-9656 or visit glacvcd.org .
Source: GLACVCD
