The first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes of the year have been detected in the San Gabriel Valley, with an infected mosquito sample collected in Alhambra, officials announced Monday.
Prevention Measures
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District said the virus was detected in mosquitoes collected from a surveillance trap in the city. The agency will continue monitoring mosquito activity and conducting control efforts in public areas through inspections and treatments as needed.
Director of Scientific Programs Tristan Hallum said in a statement, “West Nile virus is a recurring concern in our region because it is endemic to our area. There is no cure or human vaccine for WNV. The key to staying safe and protecting your health is to prevent mosquito bites.”
Residents are urged to eliminate standing water around their homes by emptying containers weekly and discarding unused items that can collect water. Residents also are advised to use insect repellents containing CDC-recommended ingredients, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. About one in five infected people develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea or a skin rash, while about one in 150 people develop severe illness requiring hospitalization.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of serious complications, officials said.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
