Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in Los Angeles County

In this Aug. 26, 2019, file photo, Salt Lake City Mosquito Control District biologist Nadja Reissen examines a mosquito in Salt Lake City. The Utah Department of Health has confirmed the first human death from West Nile virus this year. Authorities said Saturday, September 28, 2019, that a central Utah resident at least 65 years old died from the mosquito-borne illness between September 21 and 28. Utah health officials have confirmed 19 human cases of West Nile virus this year. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, file)

For the first time this year, some mosquitoes in Los Angeles County tested positive for West Nile virus, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District announced Saturday.

The positive mosquitoes were collected from a trap located in the Winnetka neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.

“While the presence of West Nile virus in our community is not unusual, this early detection serves as a critical reminder to all residents to take preventative measures,” said Steve Vetrone, GLACVCD Director of Scientific and Technical Services. “We urge everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed. »

According to GLACVCD, West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites. Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or rash, although only 20% of patients experience symptoms.

There is currently no treatment for the virus. About one in 150 patients requires hospitalization.

The GLACVCD said the following steps can be taken to reduce the threat of West Nile-positive mosquitoes invading your neighborhood:

• Eliminate standing water in clogged gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, water troughs, or anything else that holds water for more than a week.
• Make sure swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained.
• Change the water in pet bowls, birdbaths and other small containers weekly.
• Ask your local vector control district to place mosquitoes in ornamental ponds.
• Report neglected (green) pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.