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Fetch Your Bug Spray: West Nile Virus Detected Near L.A. River
Photo by Gravitywave via Flickr
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No one likes a mosquito bite, but residents living within one mile of the Los Angeles River need be especially careful. Ecologists from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District recently found six new positive West Nile virus samples in the area. The infected mosquitoes were collected in Los Feliz, Canoga Park, Encino, Granada Hills and Chatsworth.
GLACVCD outlined some basic precautions locals can take to steer clear of the infected mosquitoes in a press release. First, do not leave standing water on your property, as this is the ideal place for mosquitoes to breed. Second, avoid spending a great deal of time outdoors during dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitoes are most active. Finally, if one must go outside where mosquitoes are present, wear long pants and long-sleeves or use repellants with ingredients like DEET to keep bugs away.
GLACVCD also encouraged people to report any dead bird sightings so that the animals can be tested. Such knowledge can aid ecologists in their efforts to keep the virus from spreading. To make a report or get more information, GLACVCD can be reached at 562-944-9656 or via their website.
Related:
Woman With West Nile Virus Blames Filthy Pool in Neighbor's Foreclosed Home
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