ANTONOVICH CALLS FOR RENEWED ACTION TO PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS EPIDEMIC

 

 

       

 

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy Office:     (213) 974-5555  Cell: (213) 215-5176 E-mail:     tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

       July 20, 2010                                                                For Immediate Release

 

ANTONOVICH CALLS FOR RENEWED ACTION TO PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS EPIDEMIC

  

LOS ANGELES COUNTY — In the wake of the discovery of a dead bird testing positive for West Nile Virus in the Santa Clarita Valley, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich has introduced a motion calling for multi-agency coordination and a renewed effort to combat the virus to prevent an epidemic.

 

Supervisor Antonovich’s motion directs the Department of Public Health and Public Works to investigate and clear open water ways that harbor mosquito breeding sites, exterminate active breeding areas, and educate the public on West Nile Virus prevention.

 

“Los Angeles County is committed to preventing this virus from growing to epidemic proportions,” said Supervisor Antonovich. 

 

According to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, the best defense against disease transmission is being proactive and taking precautions to protect from mosquito bites.  

 

Follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your family:

 

§  Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

 

§  Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when engaging in outdoor activities during these hours.

 

§  Apply approved insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

 

§  Eliminate all sources of standing water around your home and property and properly maintain ornamental ponds, pools, and spas.

 

§  Request FREE mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas, and ponds to control mosquito breeding.

 

§  Contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656 or online at http://glacvcd.org/ to report any significant mosquito problems in your neighborhood. The District strongly encourages you to report any mosquito activity near vacant or foreclosed homes and abandoned swimming pools in your neighborhood.

 

The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts, as birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus.

 

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