West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease caused by the bites of infected mosquitoes.The District works year-round to actively search for and managing water-holding areas such as gutters, ditches, storm drain channels, basins, and non-functional pools and ponds, but there are many more mosquito breeding sites on private property that require the public’s attention.
Residents, business owners, and property managers must ensure no standing water is permitted on their property. Yard and parking lot drains, air conditioner drip pans/buckets, rain barrels, non-functional swimming pools, and other containers such as rain barrels, plant saucers, and old tires must be removed or sealed to prohibit mosquito access.
To prevent bites, and the risk of disease transmission, the District recommends EPA-registered repellents that have been shown to be both safe and effective when used according to label directions: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Here are some additional safety tips:
Keep pools/spas filtered, cleaned, and chlorinated.
Report neglected or abandoned pools and spas.
Routinely check and empty containers with water in them.
Turn them upside down to prevent water build up.
Discard water in bird baths weekly.
Place mosquito fish in ponds, fountains etc.
Remove excess vegetation from your property.
Clean out rain gutters to prevent water pooling.
Don’t over water lawns and remove standing water from low areas on your property.
Repair any leaking plumbing fixtures.
About West Nile:
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, West Nile virus is a leading cause of severe infections of the nervous system among adults older than age 50 in Los Angeles County.
WNV is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for WNV. One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for several days to months. One in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis, and possibly death.
For more information, residents can contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.