LOS ANGELES (October 3, 2019) – The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed 11 additional mosquito samples positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this week. This brings the total number of samples positive for the virus within the district’s service area to 51 this year. This is the first positive sample of the season in four areas: Downey, Elysian Valley, Encino, and North Hills.

West Nile virus is endemic in Los Angeles County, and warm temperatures can increase virus activity and mosquito populations. This week, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) reported the County’s first West Nile virus human death of the year. Additionally, 112 WNV human cases have been reported in California, nine of which were identified by LADPH. Visit CalSurv Maps for a comprehensive look at this year’s West Nile virus activity throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California.

“Our native Culex mosquito is known to transmit West Nile virus and primarily likes to bite birds which are hosts for the disease. Once infected, the mosquito can pass the virus to humans,” said Anais Medina Diaz, public information officer for GLACVCD. “It’s imperative residents take preventative measures by wearing insect repellent and removing any standing water on their property.”

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must 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 mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds.
• Wear EPA-recommended 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.

About West Nile virus:
WNV 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 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.

About GLACVCD
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District is a public health service agency formed under the authority of the California State Health & Safety Code. Our mission is to reduce populations of public health vectors below nuisance levels and prevent human infection associated with mosquito-transmitted diseases.

Media Contact
Anais Medina Diaz, Public Information Officer | amedinadiaz@glacvcd.org