The West Nile virus, potentially fatal in humans, has been found in two samples of mosquitoes collected from Sherman Oaks and Porter Ranch, Los Angeles County vector control officials announced.
Earlier this month, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District reported the first positive mosquito sample of the year from Panorama City.
West Nile virus activity is off to a slow start this year, according to the district.
“Last year, by the end of week 29, we already had 43 positive samples reported,” Susanne Kluh, director of scientific technical services, said in a news release.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported its first case of human West Nile virus infection in the county this year in June. A San Gabriel Valley resident was hospitalized in May as a result of the virus.
The district urges residents and business owners to make sure they have no standing water on their property, including in air conditioner drip pans, plant saucers and non-functional swimming pools.
To prevent bites, the District recommends EPA‐registered repellents: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
West Nile virus is a leading cause of severe infections of the nervous system among people older than 50 in Los Angeles County, according to the district.
One in 150 people infected require hospitalization.
For more information, residents can contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at 562‐944‐9656 or online at glacvcd.org.
