Over the past week the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) identified West Nile virus (WNV) in multiple hosts in the cities of Claremont, Covina, Glendora, Industry, Pomona, San Dimas and West Covina.
Vector control agencies use three main indicators to monitor West Nile virus (WNV) activity locally; infected mosquitoes, dead birds infected with the virus, and sentinel chickens with antibodies to the virus. Several samples of mosquitoes infected with WNV have been trapped in these cities, antibodies to WNV were found in two sentinel chickens, and three dead birds were infected with the virus. Dr. Wakoli Wekesa, Scientific Programs Manager for the SGVMVCD, is concerned about the concentration of WNV-positive results. He says, “These multiple positive results reflect intense WNV transmission in the San Gabriel Valley, especially in the east part of our district. There now is a high potential for WNV to spill over into the human population. Similar or worse WNV activity is also being reported from western San Bernardino County by the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District in Ontario.”
Officials from the SGVMVCD are encouraging residents to stay informed about West Nile virus, report to them any standing water or mosquitoes, and take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. There is currently no human vaccine or cure for the disease and preventing mosquitoes from biting is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family.
Throughout the year, but especially during the summer, basic protective measures should be followed:
-Dump and drain: Eliminate or report standing water on your property because that’s where mosquitoes breed.
-Defend: If you are outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
-Dusk and dawn: Avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active.
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. They also urge residents to call the District to report any mosquito activity. Please visit their website for more information. www.SGVMosquito.org .
