First West Nile Positive Bird Found in Artesia; Cerritos Numbers Grow

As the number of dead birds infected with the West Nile virus continues to rise in Cerritos, the city of Artesia joins the growing list of affected cities with it’s first infected bird reported last week.

The dead American Crow was collected in the 18000 block of Clarkdale Avenue in Artesia, according to Crystal Brown, public information officer of the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD). This is the first West Nile positive bird found in Artesia this year.

In nearby Cerritos, the number of WNV-positive birds collected currently stands at 25. According to recently released data, four dead birds carrying the virus were found in the following Cerritos blocks:

• American Crow collected in Norwalk Avenue (no address recorded)
• American Crow collected in 13000 block of Acoro Street
• House Finch collected in 17000 block of Maurice Avenue
• American Crow collected in 12000 block of Cuesta Lane 

With West Nile virus activity reaching epidemic levels throughout Greater Los Angeles County, vector control officials are urging residents to take all recommended precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Most of the mosquito species found in the Southland that spread the virus are most active between dusk and dawn, and so outdoor activities should be avoided during that time whenever possible. For those that do spend time outdoors during those hours, it is important to wear long sleeve shirts and pants and to use insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or Lemon Eucalyptus Oil.

For further information, visit the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at www.glacvcd.org or call (562) 944-9656. Additional West Nile virus information is available at www.westnile.ca.gov.