West Nile Virus Update

 

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

For Immediate Release

September 17, 2010                                                         

 

Contact:   

Crystal Brown

Public Information Officer

Office: (562) 944-9656 x511

Cell: (562) 325-3271

Email: cbrown@glacvcd.org

 

Keep Pools Properly Maintained and Help Prevent West Nile Virus

 

Los Angeles, CA—The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) confirmed additional West Nile virus activity this week.  Two West Nile virus (WNV) positive dead birds were collected in Hacienda Heights (zip code 91745) and Winnetka (zip code 91306).  The District also confirmed two WNV positive mosquito samples from Woodland Hills (zip code 91367) and Pico Rivera (zip code 90660).  

 

So far this year, the District has reported 41 WNV positive mosquito samples and 20 WNV positive dead birds.  This is the first incidence of West Nile virus activity for Hacienda Heights in 2010.

Statewide, 1098 WNV positive mosquito samples and 333 WNV positive dead birds have been reported. 

 

GLACVCD staff would like to remind residents that mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus breed in standing water.  This fall and winter, prevent out-of-use pools from becoming mosquito breeding sites by keeping them properly filtered or by requesting free mosquitofish from the District.  Residents are encouraged to report a green pool or potential mosquito breeding source in their neighborhoods.  Service requests can be made anonymously either online at www.glacvcd.org or by calling (562) 944-9656.

 

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.

 

For additional West Nile virus information, visit www.westnile.ca.gov or call 1-877-WNV BIRD to report a dead bird or squirrel.