Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Announced an Increase In West Nile Virus in the San Fernando Valley
KABC reports that Mosquito samples collected from six San Fernando Valley communities tested positive for West Nile virus. The report says health officials collected the samples in Encino, Northridge, Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys.
"We are beginning to see the anticipated increase in West Nile virus activity in the region," the district's director of community affairs Kelly Middleton said. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently reported six human infections in the county so far this year.
Please ensure there is no standing water on your property, and remove or seal items where mosquitoes gather, such as yard and parking lot drains, air conditioner drip pans and buckets, rain barrels, unused swimming pools, plant saucers, and old tires.
West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito, and is a leading cause of severe infections of the nervous system among adults over 50. There is no cure for West Nile virus.
Please use the following tips to protect yourself and your home from Mosquitos:
- Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide the best protection. Follow label instructions
- Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active
- Wear protective clothing (long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks) in areas where mosquitoes are active. Spray clothes with insect repellent for extra protection
- Drain standing water around your house often. Empty water from tires, cans, flower pots, clogged gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, toys and puddles
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors
BrightStar Care of S San Fernando Valley helps care for seniors with serious diseases, including West Niles and other conditions. To learn more about our senior caregiving services, please click here.
Source: https://abc7.com/health/west-nile-confirmed-in-san-fernando-valley-mosquitoes/3955774/