---

Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council

West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes Confirmed in LA County 2016

Posted on 04/21/16

The sample of mosquitoes was collected in a mosquito trap in Sun Valley (zip code 91352). The confirmation means that mosquito populations in Los Angeles County are actively carrying the virus and can infect people.

WEST NILE FEVER news release–MOSQUITOES were caught in  a trap SOUTH OF HANSEN DAM AROUND STONEHURST PARK
 
 
First West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes Confirmed in LA County for 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2015
Los Angeles, Calif. —The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) has confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito sample in Los Angeles County for 2016.
The sample of mosquitoes was collected in a mosquito trap in Sun Valley (zip code 91352). The confirmation means that mosquito populations in Los Angeles County are actively carrying the virus and can infect people.
“This is a reminder that the mosquito ‘season’ isn’t limited to just summer,” says Kelly Middleton, Community Affairs Director for the GLACVCD.
This confirmation comes during California West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week. Vector control urges residents to plan ahead for a bite-free summer. This is a reminder that mosquito threats can hit close to home.
“It’s great that the public is informed about Zika,” says Levy Sun, the District’s public information officer. “But we can’t forget that, every year, West Nile virus is a more serious threat to Southern Californian families.”
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.
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.  GLACVCD would like to remind residents 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 your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds
• Wear insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present
• Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district

For more information, residents can contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at 562-944-9656 or online at www.glacvcd.org.
###
Previous Article
West Nile Virus Threat Increasing
Mosquitoes transmit this virus and it is here in LA County. Click HERE to learn more.
Latest News More
Latest Blog Posts More
Stay Informed
Sign up for our newsletters and email alerts to stay informed on how to protect your family.
Get Alerts
ABOUT GLACVCD
We are a California government and public health service agency formed under the authority of the CA State Health & Safety Code. Our mission is to reduce populations of public health vectors below nuisance levels, prevent human infection associated with mosquito-transmitted diseases, and prevent the loss of property values and commercial enterprise as the result of vector occurrence and activity. © Copyright 2012-2014 GLACVCD. All rights reserved.
District Headquarters
12545 Florence Ave. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
PHONE: (562) 944-9656 
FAX: (562) 944-7976 
HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
Sylmar Branch
16320 Foothill Blvd Sylmar, CA 91342
PHONE: (818) 364-9589 
FAX: (818) 364-9539
HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
 
 

Download WestNileVirusFlyer_SFValley.pdf

Download WestNileVirusFlyer_2016_SpanEng.pdf