West Nile Virus Detected In San Gabriel Valley

EL MONTE, CA — West Nile virus has been detected in a mosquito sample collected from a surveillance trap in the city of El Monte, officials said Tuesday.

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District said it was the first such activity in its service area this season.

"West Nile virus is a recurring concern in our region," Director of Scientific Programs Tristan Hallum said. "It's endemic to the San Gabriel Valley, meaning we expect to detect it every year in mosquitoes, birds, and occasionally humans. The key to staying protected is avoiding mosquito bites."

The San Gabriel District is one of five vector control districts in Los Angeles County. The agency monitors stagnant water sources such as gutters, storm drains, channels and non-functional swimming pools. Staff also routinely monitor populations of adult mosquitoes using traps and tests groups of adult female mosquitoes for the presence of mosquito-borne diseases.

Last week, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District confirmed mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus in Arleta, South El Monte and Valley Glen, and Orange County health officials found mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus in Anaheim and Garden Grove.

West Nile virus is naturally found in the environment across the entire county, even in areas where recent mosquito sample detections have not occurred. Because there is currently no human vaccine for the virus, health experts said residents should take personal protective measures by using mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using insect repellent with any of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

To avoid virus-carrying mosquitoes, health experts recommend finding and disposing of standing water to eliminate breeding grounds. Residents can take precautions by wearing mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk.

People infected with the virus generally experience mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. People over age 50 and people with underlying health problems can develop more serious health problems if they are infected with the virus.

City News Service