Story Created:
Aug 26, 2010 at 10:28 AM PST
Story Updated:
Aug 26, 2010 at 10:28 AM PST
SANTA FE SPRINGS — The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed that another dead bird has been found with the West Nile virus in the Whittier area and two mosquito samples were also found in the area.
Statewide, 219 dead birds and 562 mosquito samples have been confirmed with the West Nile virus so far this year, District Public Information Officer Crystal Brown said.
Warm temperatures and standing water present perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes, Brown added. Under ideal conditions, a mosquito can emerge as an adult in as few as three days.
A neglected rain barrel, abandoned pond or overlooked fountain can all breed thousands of mosquitoes.
Residents may disrupt mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water around their homes, by cleaning bird baths, water dishes and troughs on their properties weekly.
For unfiltered garden pools, residents may obtain free mosquito-eating fish from the district office, which is located at 12545 Florence Ave., here.
West Nile virus is spread to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. In addition to eliminating stagnant water, residents can take the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites and West Nile virus transmission:
• Wear long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors between dusk and dawn because that is when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use Center for Disease Control-approved insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Keep properly maintained and well-fitted screens on your windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
There is no cure for West Nile virus. One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms, usually between 5 and 15 days after being bitten.
Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. They can last for several weeks to months, Brown said.
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.
The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts because birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus.
The district also encourages residents to report green pools and potential mosquito breeding problems in their neighborhoods, Brown said.
Service requests can be submitted online or over the phone, (562) 944-9656, and can be made anonymously.
A California-certified vector control specialist will respond to the request within one business day.
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