Six more West Nile Virus Incidences -- first in Reseda

 

 

 

	Greater Los Angeles County           Vector Control District           12545 Florence Ave.          Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670          (562) 944-9656
INFORMATION RELEASE

For Immediate Release

September 23, 2010                                                        

 

Contact:   

Crystal Brown

Public Information Officer

Office: (562) 944-9656 x511

Cell: (562) 325-3271

Email: cbrown@glacvcd.org

 

Additional West Nile Virus Activity Continues as Fall Begins

 

Los Angeles, CA—West Nile virus (WNV) activity remains consistent throughout Los Angeles County as residents welcome the official start of the fall season.  The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) has identified six additional WNV positive mosquito samples collected from the cities of Cerritos (zip code 90703), Whittier (zip codes 90604, 90605), Rowland Heights (zip code 91789), Encino (zip code 91316) and Reseda (zip code 91335).  This is the first incidence of West Nile virus activity in Reseda for 2010.  So far this year, the District has collected 47 WNV positive mosquito samples bringing the statewide total to 1,159 positive samples collected.

 

West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.  There is no cure for West Nile virus.  One in five persons infected with West Nile virus will exhibit symptoms.  Symptoms usually appear between 5 and 15 days from the time of infection and can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash.  These symptoms can last for several weeks to months.  Approximately 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.

 

Residents can follow the Three D’s of West Nile virus prevention to protect themselves and their families:

1. Dump/Drain

Eliminate standing water on your property because that’s where mosquitoes breed.

2. Dusk/Dawn

Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.

3. Defend

Wear CDC approved insect repellent and long-sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.  Use properly fitted and well maintained screens on windows and doors around your home.

 

Contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656 or visit www.glacvcd.org to report a green pool or to submit a service request.  For additional West Nile virus information, visit www.westnile.ca.gov or call 1-877-WNV BIRD to report a dead bird or squirrel.