More than 105 mosquito samples revealed West Nile virus activity in the San Gabriel Valley has surpassed the five-year average, prompting officials Thursday to urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reported the virus-positive samples were collected in cities and unincorporated neighborhoods throughout its service area. District officials said local and state agencies are also seeing higher-than-average West Nile virus detection.
The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, which is most active during dusk and dawn.
Vector control technicians are monitoring and treating known mosquito sources, searching for additional sources in areas that have shown elevated mosquito activity and increasing surveillance, officials said.
“Although current WNV activity is higher than usual, our teams are purposely equipped to deal with this challenge,” the district’s Director of Scientific Programs Tristan Hallum said in a statement. “We strongly encourage residents to tip out any stagnant water around their homes, toss out any unused containers that can collect water, and protect themselves with mosquito repellent when outdoors during this holiday weekend.”
There is no human vaccine or cure for West Nile virus, officials said.
Residents should eliminate standing water from rain gutters, buckets, discarded tires and other containers, the district advised. Properly maintaining swimming pools, spas and ponds and changing water in pet dishes and birdbaths weekly are also anti-mosquito steps to take.
When outdoors, residents were also encouraged to use mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus and wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported that roughly 1 in 5 people infected with West Nile virus develop symptoms that can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or a skin rash. Approximately 1 in 150 virus cases develops into severe symptoms.
People older than 50 and those with chronic health problems or compromised immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness, according to the Public Health Department.
The SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District includes 26 SGV cities and unincorporated Altadena, Bassett, Kinneola and Mayflower Village.
Residents can report mosquito problems or request more information from the district at 626-814-9466.
VectorSurv Maps provides a look at this year’s WNV activity throughout LA County and California.
