LOS ANGELES (August 23, 2019) – The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed seven additional mosquito samples positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This brings the total number of samples positive for the virus within the district’s service area to 13 this year. The new positive samples were collected from six new areas: Winnetka, West Hills, Canoga Park, Granada Hills, La Mirada and Cerritos.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their neighborhoods by taking the following steps:

West Nile virus is endemic in Los Angeles County, and the summer heat can increase virus activity and mosquito populations So far this year, 10 WNV human cases have been reported in California, two of which were identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Visit CalSurv Maps for a comprehensive look at this year’s West Nile virus activity throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California.

For more information, residents can contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at www.glacvcd.org.

About West Nile virus
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.