Although there have been no reported human cases of WNV in California to date this year, several WNV-infected dead birds have been found in Orange, Ventura and San Diego Counties and three sets of WNV-infected mosquitoes have been identified in Los Angeles County.

"The risk of West Nile infection can be reduced through elimination of sources of standing water, and attention to personal protection, including the use of insect repellant," says Robert Kim-Farley, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Communicable Disease Control and Prevention. "With the evidence of West Nile virus in birds and mosquitoes, we can expect human cases to occur this summer."

To decrease risk of infection, residents should take steps to prevent conditions that promote mosquito breeding and decrease mosquito exposure. Repellants containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, when used as labeled, are effective defenses. Two percent soybean oil can also be used for short (approximately one and a half hours) periods of exposure. Residents should wear long sleeves and long pants in areas with mosquitoes and avoid mosquito infested areas, especially at dusk and dawn.

Exposure to West Nile Virus

WNV is spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito; mosquitoes can become infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. Most mosquitoes do not carry the virus and most people bitten by a mosquito have not been exposed to the virus. The virus is NOT spread by person-to- person contact or directly from birds to humans.

Fewer than one out of 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito get severely ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In most cases people who are infected never become sick or have only very mild symptoms that include fever, headache, nausea, body aches and a mild skin rash. The virus can, in rare cases, cause encephalitis and death. The elderly are most at risk for severe cases of the disease. There is no specific treatment for the West Nile virus. In a serious case, an individual may be hospitalized to ensure good supportive care

Preventive Measures

To reduce exposure to the virus, health officials strongly advise residents follow the precautions recommended for all mosquito-borne diseases:

-Avoid mosquito-infested areas at dawn and dusk.

-Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.

-Repellants containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, when used as labeled, are effective defenses

-Ensure your window screens dont have holes.

-Do not allow water to stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, trash, swimming pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, etc.

-Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; drain water from pool covers.

-Stock garden ponds with goldfish or mosquito fish. They eat the mosquito eggs and larvae.

-Empty and wash birdbaths and wading pools weekly.

The public is encouraged to report if a recently dead bird (dead less than 24 hours) is found; contact 1-877-747-2243. More information is available on the DHS website at www.ladhs.org.

Where to call with questions about mosquitoes:

Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (562) 944-9656 Los Angeles County West Vector Control District (310) 915- 7370 San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (626) 814-9466 Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (661) 942-2917 Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District (310) 639-7375 Pasadena City Health Department (626) 744-6004 City of Long Beach Vector Control Program (562) 570-4132

The county health department has established a toll-free information line that will provide callers with updated information on West Nile Virus within the county: 1-800- 975-4448.

About Public Health

Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control and community and family health and comprises more than 3,800 employees with an annual budget exceeding $700 million.