West Nile Virus Confirmed in Cerritos

West Nile virus activity confirmed in Cerritos

Staff Report

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) has confirmed West Nile virus activity in a mosquito sample collected from Cerritos on July 28. The mosquitos were collected near the intersection of Briarwood Street and Kay Avenue (in the southeastern area of Cerritos). GLACVCD staff have surveyed the area and posted signs in nearby public areas.

GLACVCD has identified West Nile virus activity in multiple communities in Los Angeles County in the past month. So far this year, GLACVCD confirmed West Nile virus-positive test results for 31 mosquito samples, one chicken and one dead bird.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-transmitted disease that can cause debilitating illness and death to humans as well as birds, horses and other wildlife. Twenty percent of infected people will exhibit flu-like symptoms, and one in 150 people infected will require hospitalization. There is currently no cure or vaccine for the virus.

GLACVCD recommends that residents follow the “Three D’s” of West Nile virus prevention to protect themselves and their families:

• • Dump/Drain – Eliminate or report standing water on your property because that is where mosquitoes breed.
• • Dusk/Dawn – Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
• • Defend – If you are outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 and Oil of lemon eucalyptus.

To help West Nile Virus surveillance and control efforts, report dead birds by contacting the California Department of Public Health at (877) WNV BIRD or visit westnile.ca.gov.

For more information, call GLACVCD at (562) 944-9656 or visit glacvcd.org.