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West Nile Virus Activity continues into Late Fall

LOS ANGELES (October 9, 2020) – The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed 26 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 264 samples this year. The mosquito samples all stem from areas previously identified as positive for West Nile virus.

City/CommunityDate First Detected#WNV Positive Mosquito Samples to Date this Year
Arleta8/06/20204
Artesia8/12/20203
Bell8/11/20204
Bell Gardens7/14/20204
Bellflower7/14/20207
Burbank7/14/20205
Canoga Park7/22/20206
Carson9/16/20201
Cerritos8/12/20203
Commerce7/30/20203
Diamond Bar9/4/20201
Downey7/14/20208
East Los Angeles7/30/20204
Encino7/15/202014
Gardena9/16/20201
Glendale8/25/20202
Granada Hills8/13/20202
Florence-Firestone8/14/20202
Hacienda Heights5/20/20203
Hawaiian Gardens9/3/20201
Hollywood Hills9/10/20202
Huntington Park8/25/20202
La Habra Heights8/21/20202
La Mirada7/15/20204
Lakewood7/23/20206
Long Beach8/06/20202
Los Feliz7/29/20202
Lynwood8/11/20203
Maywood8/25/20202
Montebello7/29/20208
Northridge7/21/20206
Norwalk8/26/20204
North Hills7/15/20204
North Hollywood6/18/202014
Pacoima9/4/20201
Pico Rivera6/15/202012
Panorama City7/15/20206
Paramount9/9/20201
Porter Ranch7/21/20203
Rowland Heights7/10/20201
Santa Fe Springs7/15/20206
Sherman Oaks6/11/20208
Signal Hill7/09/20205
South Gate7/28/20202
Studio City6/18/202010
Sunland7/24/20201
Sylmar8/21/20202
Tarzana7/21/20205
Toluca Lake6/18/202010
Valley Glen6/18/20205
Valley Village6/18/202013
Van Nuys7/02/202012
West Hills8/05/20203
Whittier7/15/20207
Wilmington8/05/20201
Winnetka7/07/20207
Woodland Hills6/17/20203

**Additional Detections are ITALICIZED**

West Nile virus is endemic in Los Angeles County, and warm temperatures can increase virus activity and mosquito populations. As of October 2nd, 93 WNV human cases have been reported in California this year, 27 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. 

“The warm fall temperatures help West Nile virus and mosquito season continue later into the year,” said Anais Medina Diaz, public information officer for GLACVCD. “Residents need to continue practicing mosquito control in their homes by eliminating standing water and wearing insect repellent to protect themselves.”

Follow the tips below to prevent mosquito bites:

  • Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin before going outdoors and reapply as recommended on the label.
  • Wear insect repellent containing CDC and EPA approved active ingredients: DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Close or repair all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.

Follow the tips below to reduce mosquito populations on your property:

  • 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.
  • Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.

For more information on how to prevent mosquito breeding on your property, join the District’s Mosquito Watch program, a neighborhood watch program designed to empower residents and provide the tools needed to protect our communities from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. For additional resources, visit: www.tiptosstakeaction.org. Residents can also contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at www.glacvcd.org for additional mosquito-related questions. Follow @GLAmosquito on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

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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