Signal Hill was among the cities where mosquito samples— a total of 31— tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), according to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD).
In addition, GLACVCD confirmed West Nile virus activity in eight dead birds.
Vector control detected WNV activity for the first time this year in the following cities or communities:
Artesia
East Los Angeles
El Sereno
Elysian Valley
Hawaiian Gardens
Newhall
Signal Hill
Year-to-date, WNV has been detected in a total of 169 mosquito samples within the GLACVCD service area. In addition, 41 dead birds and five sentinel chickens have tested positive from various communities.
“This week’s high temperatures are going to increase the risk of West Nile virus infections for many residents,” said Levy Sun, GLACVCD’s public information officer. “The first line of defense against mosquitoes is to remove all standing water. It’s a simple solution, but it is also easy to forget.”
Vector control also recommends that residents use insect repellent when outdoors and report mosquito problems and inoperable swimming pools/ponds to GLACVCD promptly.
West Nile virus is primarily found in birds and is transmitted between birds and to people and horses by mosquito bites.
Residents experiencing mosquito problems during the day or at night, even after dumping all standing water, can receive help from GLACVCD at (562) 944-9656 or ReportMosquitoes.org.
Source: GLACVCD
