Los Angeles County has reported the first detection of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus this year. The infected mosquitoes were found in a trap in the Winnetka neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, according to Steve Vetrone, director of scientific and technical services at the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.
The presence of West Nile Virus is not unusual for California, but this early detection serves as a reminder for residents to take preventative measures against mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed.
The main spreader of the West Nile virus in California is the culex mosquito, which becomes infected with the virus by feeding on the blood of infected birds. The disease is usually spread to humans through mosquito bites.
About 20% of people infected with West Nile virus have symptoms, which can include fevers, headaches, body aches, nausea, skin rashes and fatigue. In rare cases, the infections can lead to serious brain and spinal cord inflammation. People who are 60 and older have a higher risk of complications.
There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus. Public health officials recommend wearing insect repellent with active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to protect against mosquito bites. Eliminating standing water around homes and reporting neglected swimming pools to the local vector control district for treatment are also effective measures.
California's record-breaking rainfall could lead to a boom in the mosquito population and an increase in West Nile virus cases, according to experts.
There have been 17 dead birds carrying the West Nile virus reported in California this year, up from 14 at the same time last year. Of the 25 samples of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus found so far this year in California, 18 were found in Riverside County.
The number of mosquitoes with West Nile virus in California has risen about 78% between 2013 and 2023. In total, there were 461 cases of West Nile virus in humans and 19 fatalities in California last year.
Residents are urged to take preventative measures against mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile virus.
