Guard Against Mosquito Bites, West Nile Virus

The Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District is encouraging residents to guard against mosquito bites this Labor Day weekend. This week the District confirmed more West Nile Virus activity within its jurisdiction. Twenty-seven mosquito samples and four dead birds collected in Los Angeles County tested positive for West Nile Virus, and five more surveillance chickens tested positive for West Nile Virus antibodies.

So far this year the District has reported 267 mosquito samples and 63 dead birds; and 17 surveillance chickens have been found to have antibodies for West Nile Virus.

Tips to prevent mosquito breeding and guard against mosquito-transmitted illnesses:

- Eliminate standing water in anything that holds water for more than a week, such as clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs and .

- Change the water in pet dishes and birdbaths weekly.

- Ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained and report neglected pools in your neighborhood.

- Request free mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas and ponds.

- Wear insect repellent containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or IR3535 when outdoors where mosquitoes are present.