The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed the first West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample in Los Angeles County for 2015— the first in the state.
The sample of mosquitoes was collected on March 18 in Sylmar. Last year, GLACVCD confirmed the first WNV-positive mosquito sample in May.
“This is a reminder that the mosquito season isn’t limited to just summer,” said Kelly Middleton, GLACVCD community affairs director. “This year’s warm winter has likely contributed to early WNV activity and may be indicative of increased risk in the valley this summer. Our residents need to understand this and take actions now to reduce their risks.”
West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for WNV. One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms usually occur between five and 15 days and can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or a skin rash. These 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.
“People may think mosquitoes have gone away due to the drought, but that’s just not true,” said Levy Sun, GLACVCD public information officer. “Neglected artificial water sources— such as swimming pools and flower pot saucers—provide perfect environments for mosquitoes to thrive in our cities.”
Any water left standing for more than one week in containers such as flower pots, fountains and pet dishes provides the perfect breeding habitat for mosquitoes, Sun said, adding that even the smallest water source can contribute to a large public health problem within the Greater Los Angeles County area.
Residents can take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their neighborhoods by taking the following steps:
• 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 free mosquitofish from a local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds
• Report mosquito activity near vacant or foreclosed homes to the local vector control district
• Report neglected (green) swimming pools to the local vector control district
For more information, residents can contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (818) 364-9589 or online at glacvcd.org .
Source: GLACVCD
