Southland residents are being asked to take precautions after health officials found mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus in Los Angeles and Orange counties, officials said Wednesday.
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District confirmed the first mosquito samples to test positive for West Nile virus in Los Angeles County this year, officials said Wednesday. The samples were collected from mosquito traps in Arleta, South El Monte and Valley Glen, confirming the presence of the virus in mosquito populations within the community.
Subsequent testing confirmed three additional WNV positive mosquito samples collected in Van Nuys, Panorama City and Lake Balboa.
“West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito,” said Steve Vetrone, GLACVCD assistant general manager of vector management. “The virus is endemic to Los Angeles County with activity typically increasing during the summer months.”
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Los Angeles County and is naturally found in the environment across the entire county, even in areas where recent mosquito sample detections have not occurred. Because there is currently no human vaccine for the virus, health experts said residents should take personal protective measures by using mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using insect repellent with any of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
Meanwhile, Orange County residents are also being asked to take precautions after health officials found mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus in Anaheim and Garden Grove. The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed the samples, officials said Tuesday.
To avoid virus-carrying mosquitoes, health experts recommend finding and disposing of standing water to eliminate breeding grounds. Residents can take precautions by wearing mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk.
People infected with the virus generally experience mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. People over age 50 and people with underlying health problems can develop more serious health problems if they are infected with the virus.