Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in L.A. County

A mosquito examined optimistic for West Nile virus in Los Angeles County, marking the primary such pattern this 12 months, well being officers introduced Monday.

The optimistic mosquito pattern was collected from a mosquito lure in Bellflower, confirming the presence of the virus in mosquito populations throughout the neighborhood, in keeping with the Higher Los Angeles County Vector Management District.

Whereas this affirmation serves as the primary optimistic mosquito pattern this 12 months, West Nile virus was detected in three useless crows discovered within the North Hills neighborhood on Could 26, the company mentioned.

Surveilling useless birds serves as an early warning detection instrument that helps authorities establish when the virus is actively being transmitted between birds within the space.

“West Nile virus is unfold amongst hen populations and transmitted to people by the chew of an contaminated mosquito,” mentioned Steve Vetrone, director of Scientific-Technical Providers. “It is extremely necessary to keep in mind that at the moment the virus may very well be wherever, despite the fact that we could not have detected it but.”

West Nile virus is endemic to L.A. County, and it’s often detected within the area throughout summer time.

The virus is the main reason for mosquito-borne illness within the U.S. and is transmitted to people by the chew of an contaminated mosquito.

Final 12 months, 17 folks in L.A. County have been contaminated with West Nile virus, and 12 have been hospitalized. One particular person died from a neuroinvasive illness related to the virus in 2021, in keeping with the county’s Division of Public Well being.

In 2020, there have been seven West Nile Virus deaths and 93 infections countywide, the well being division reported.

As a result of there is no such thing as a human vaccine for West Nile virus, residents are urged to be proactive in opposition to mosquito bites by carrying insect repellent. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention advocate merchandise with the lively components DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus as being secure and efficient.

About 1 in 5 folks contaminated with the virus will exhibit signs, which might embody fever, headache, physique aches, nausea or pores and skin rash. The signs can final from days to months.

Extreme West Nile virus infections can occur in some instances, particularly in these over 50 with continual medical circumstances like most cancers and diabetes. The an infection can have an effect on the mind and spinal wire, inflicting meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis.

About 1 in 150 folks contaminated with the virus would require hospitalization. Extreme signs embody excessive fever, muscle weak spot, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis and presumably demise, officers mentioned.

Most mosquitoes don’t carry the virus, and most of the people bitten by mosquitos are usually not uncovered to extreme West Nile virus. Nonetheless, officers urge residents to take the next steps to cut back the specter of the virus of their neighborhoods.

• Get rid of standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or something that holds water for greater than per week.
• Be sure that swimming swimming pools, spas and ponds are correctly maintained.
• Change the water in pet dishes, hen baths and different small containers weekly.
• Request mosquitofish out of your native vector management district for placement in decorative ponds.
• Report uncared for (inexperienced) swimming swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector management district.