Positive West Nile Samples Hit Studio City and Toluca Lake

The East Valley communities of Valley Village, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood—and for the first time this season, Toluca Lake and Studio City—have mosquito samples and dead birds testing positive for the West Nile Virus, according to the latest report by the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.

Officials are continuing to warn people to keep their pools clean and spill any still water.

Community    Zip Code(s)      Number of WNV+ mosquito samples 

Burbank                   91506, 91505         2

Carson                     90746                     1

North Hollywood       91605                     2

Studio City               91604                     1

Toluca Lake              91602                     1

Valley Glen              91401, 91606          3

Valley Village           91607                      2

Community           Zip Code(s)                  WNV+ dead bird

Carson                    90745                             2

Cerritos                   90703                             1

North Hollywood      91605                             1

Sherman Oaks         91423                             1

Van Nuys                91401                              2

So far this year, the District has reported a total of 164 positive mosquito samples and 36 dead birds.

The District recommends residents follow the Three D's of West Nile virus prevention to protect themselves and their families:   

1. Dump/Drain -- Eliminate or report standing water on your property because that's where mosquitoes breed.

1. Dusk/Dawn -- Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.

1. Defend -- If you are outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of lemon eucalyptus.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for West Nile virus.  One in five persons infected with West Nile virus will exhibit symptoms.  Symptoms usually occur between five and 15 days and can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for several weeks to months. One in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis and possibly death.

The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts because birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus. To reach the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), call their toll-free hotline at 877-WNV BIRD or visit them on-line at www.westnile.ca.gov.

For more information, please contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656 or visit www.glacvcd.org. For media inquiries, please contact GLACVCD Public Information Officer Levy Sun at (562) 758-6511.