Politics & Government
More West Nile Found in Studio City, Encino, Hollywood Hills and More
The Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District (GLACVCD) welcomes all students back to school and wish to remind them and their families that the threat of West Nile virus is still widespread in Los Angeles County.
This week, GLACVCD confirmed WNV-positive test results for 30 mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus.
Studio City, Encino, the Hollywood Hills, Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys were some of the communities where positive tests were located (see the list below.)
Here are three tips to avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit.
"West Nile virus is endemic, which means it's here to stay in Los Angeles County," said Levy Sun, GLACVCD public information officer.
1. Understand the Threat -
About 20 percent of people infected will exhibit flu-like symptoms and one in 150 people infected will require hospitalization. There is no vaccine or cure for the virus. Please refer to the chart below for a breakdown of the latest West Nile virus activity.
Find out what's happening in North Hollywood-Toluca Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
City or Community Zip Code(s) Number + mosquito samples
Bellflower 90706 2
Find out what's happening in North Hollywood-Toluca Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Burbank 91506 2
Elysian Valley 90031 1
Encino 91436 1
Granada Hills 91344 1
Hollywood Hills 90068 1
Los Angeles 90061 1
Lynwood 90262 1
North Hills 91406,91343 2
North Hollywood 91601 1
Panorama City 91402 2
Sherman Oaks 91423,91403 2
Silver Lake 90027 1
Studio City 91604 2
Toluca Lake 91602 2
Tujunga 91402 1
Valley Glen 91401,91606 2
Valley Village 91607 2
Van Nuys 91402,91406 2
So far this year, the District has reported a total of 297 positive mosquito samples and 63 dead birds. In addition, 17 total surveillance chickens have shown antibodies for West Nile virus.
1. Understand the Threat - About 20 percent of people infected will exhibit flu-like symptoms and one in 150 people infected will require hospitalization. There is no vaccine or cure for the virus. Please refer to the chart below for a breakdown of the latest West Nile virus activity.
2. Apply Insect Repellent - Many students play sports or are outdoors from late afternoon to evening. During this time, mosquitoes are active. The District recommends using insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites and to reduce the risk of acquiring any mosquito-borne diseases. Insect repellent that are most effective contains EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
3. Dump and Drain - Eliminate standing water on your property. It takes about five days for mosquito eggs in a saucer or dirty pool to hatch into biting adults.
Also, the public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts because birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus. To reach the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), call their toll-free hotline at 877-WNV BIRD or visit them on-line at http://www.westnile.ca.gov/ www.westnile.ca.gov.
For more information, please contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at(562) 944-9656 or visit www.glacvcd.org. For media inquiries, please contact GLACVCD Public Information Officer Levy Sun at (562) 325-3271.
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