The Votes Are In!
2023 Readers' Choice is back, bigger and better than ever!
View Winners → 
MONROVIA RESIDENTS ADVISED TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS AGAINST WEST NILE VIRUS
Monrovia Weekly Aug 24, 2012
by
share with
MONROVIA RESIDENTS ADVISED TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS AGAINST WEST NILE VIRUS
Five of eight mosquito samples collected from the City of Monrovia tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) yesterday. A total of 277 mosquitoes were collected in traps placed in underground stormwater conveyance structures located in the City. Vector Control officials have recently intensified surveillance and control efforts in the foothill communities in response to additional reports of WNV infected dead birds. A map showing the area of concern can be viewed at www.sgvmosquito.org.
To date, a total of 9 WNV infected birds have been collected within the District’s service area from the cities of Alhambra (1); Claremont (1); Industry (1); Monrovia (1); San Dimas (1); San Gabriel (2); Sierra Madre (2).
Residents should take immediate precautions against mosquito bites by using repellents if outdoors between dusk and dawn and ensuring windows and doors are properly screened to keep mosquitoes outside.
Underground water conveyance pipes provide ideal conditions for both resting mosquitoes and developing larvae. During the summer months, neighborhood runoff travels via gutters into underground pipes and pools behind leaf litter and debris that collects there. Preventing runoff from properties will help minimize underground mosquito reproduction.
West Nile virus activity is at record levels in the United States this year. In California, 34 people have been diagnosed with WNV infection compared to just 19 at the same time last year. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports 5 cases of WNV in County residents.
Warmer temperatures provide ideal conditions for WNV amplification and transmission. Mosquitoes pick up WNV from infected birds and spread it to other birds when they bite again. People can also get WNV if bitten by infected mosquitoes.
It is critical that residents survey their property and remove all standing water to prevent mosquito reproduction. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water sources such as neglected pools, buckets, misc. containers, puddles, and ponds. Eggs can hatch and mature to biting adults in 5-7 days.
Since its introduction in 2003, there have been 3,180 reported infections and 111 deaths from WNV in California. West Nile virus is present and a risk to public health every year.
Throughout the summer, basic protective measures should be followed:
□ AVOID Over-watering, and prevent litter, leaves and debris from entering the gutters and streets
□ DRAIN: Check properties weekly and remove all sources of standing water. Report ‘green’ inoperable pools or other sources of standing water to the District
□ DAWN AND DUSK: Wear effective repellents if outdoors when mosquitoes are present (between dusk and dawn)
□ DEFEND: Ensure doors and windows are properly screened
The District encourages the public to help identify WNV “hot spots” by reporting dead birds to the WNV Hotline at (877) WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov. We also urge our residents to call the District to report any mosquito activity.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is a public health agency dedicated to the control of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases.
The District can be reached at 626-814-9466 or on the web at www.sgvmosquito.org
More from Monrovia Weekly
