A dead bird collected in Culver City tested positive for West Nile virus on Sept. 8, according to city officials. So far this year, there have been 75 separate zip codes in Los Angeles County that have recorded
positive West Nile virus results from dead birds, trapped adult mosquitoes or sentinel chicken flocks.
The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds that carry the virus and then bite a human or animal.
People infected with West Nile virus can experience a variety of symptoms, which usually occur two to 15 days after infection and may include: West Nile fever, West Nile neuroinvasive disease or no symptoms at all. Symptoms of West Nile fever can include: headaches (often severe migraines), high fever, tiredness and body aches and occasionally, a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. These symptoms may last from several days to several weeks.
Symptoms of West Nile neuroinvasive disease can include: severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis or coma. This form of the disease can lead to long-lasting and in some cases, permanent damage to the brain.
Residents can protect themselves from the virus by doing the following:
· DEET – Apply insect repellent according to the label. Repellents containing DEET, picaradin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the longest lasting and most effective. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting.
· Dawn and dusk – Mosquitoes that carry the virus primarily bite in the early morning and evening, so it is important to wear repellent during those times. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
· Drain – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water, including flowerpots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. Ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained. For ornamental ponds, use mosquito fish.
The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts. Dead birds should be reported to the toll-free hotline at (877) WNV-BIRD.
For more information or to pick up free mosquito fish, call Robert Saviskas, executive director of the Los Angeles County West Vector & Vector-Borne Disease Control District, at (310) 915-7370, ext. 223 or at email rsaviskas@lawestvector.org. Additional information about West Nile Virus can be found at lawestvector.org.