WOODLAND HILLS—The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District released information to the public concerning an outbreak of the West Nile Virus in Southern California.
Officials say infected mosquito samples were collected in four new areas: Montebello, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier, and Woodland Hills. The control district revealed the details to the public to serve as an early warning system in the detection of mosquito-borne viruses that can infect people and animals.
According to Los Angeles’ CVCD, the summer heat can increase West Nile Virus activity and mosquito populations. According to a press release from the LA CVCD, 57 West Nile Virus human cases have been reported in California; four of which were identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
The West Nile Virus has no cure and is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. One in five people infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash which can last for several days to months. Over 1 in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization.
Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of West Nile virus in their neighborhoods by taking the steps posted on their website.
