Mosquito Tests Positive For West Nile Virus In Monrovia

MONROVIA, CA — A mosquito found in Monrovia tested positive for the West Nile Virus earlier this month, city officials said.

It's the city's first case of the virus for this year, according to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. The positive test was reported on Sept. 20.

West Nile Virus is detected every year in Los Angeles County is found naturally in the environment, the agency said.

A person infected with the virus typically suffers at least one of these symptoms for several days: headache, body aches, fever, skin rash or nausea. One in 150 cases results in hospitalization, officials said.

Severe symptoms include muscle weakness, neck stiffness, paralysis, and, in some cases, death.

Mosquitos are attracted to standing water, which they lay their eggs in, Monrovia officials said. Residents are encouraged to remove stagnant water around their homes and dispose of any unused containers with water to help cut down the mosquito population.