Los Angeles County has detected mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus for the first time this year.
The mosquitoes were recovered from a trap in the Winnetka neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District said Saturday.
“While the presence of West Nile virus in our community is not unusual, this early detection serves as a critical reminder for all residents to take preventive measures,” said Steve Vetrone, director of scientific and technical services for the West Nile Control District. vectors, in a prepared statement. “We urge everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes, where mosquitoes can breed.”
The main spreader of West Nile virus in California is the culex mosquito, which becomes infected with the virus by feeding on the blood of infected birds. The disease is usually transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
About 20% of people infected with West Nile virus develop symptoms, which can include fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, rashes, and fatigue. In rare cases, infections can cause severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. People over 60 have a higher risk of complications.
There is no human vaccine against West Nile virus. Public health officials say the best way to protect yourself is to wear insect repellent and long sleeves and pants in mosquito-infested areas.
It also helps eliminate stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed. Experts recommend emptying standing water from gutters, buckets, planters, or any other area that may retain water for more than a week.
Neglected pools with green water can also be reported to the local vector control district for treatment.
Experts have warned that record rainfall in California could lead to a mosquito population boom and an increase in West Nile virus.
Last year there were 461 human cases of West Nile virus in California, and 19 were fatal, according to the California Mosquitoborne Virus Surveillance and Response Program.
The number of West Nile virus mosquitoes in the Golden State increased about 78% between 2013 and 2023, according to the program.
California has reported 25 samples of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus so far this year, up from five at the same time last year, according to the data. Of those 25, 18 were found in Riverside County.
The state also reported 17 dead birds carrying the virus, up from 14 at the same time last year.
