STAFF REPORTS
Walnut – On Fri., July 18, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District identified two samples of mosquitoes caught in traps at Creekside Park that tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the second finding in San Gabriel Valley over the past several weeks.
According to the SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District – or the Vector Inspectors – WNV is present in the San Gabriel Valley every year. You can help to eradicate this disease from the area by taking an active stance against it through prevention. The Vector Inspectors recommend that you walk around your property and dump out any accumulated water in buckets, barrels, old tires, pots, and other containers. Report any green and stagnant pools, ponds and fountains, as they can breed thousands of mosquitoes weekly; and report all dead birds to www.westnile.ca.gov.
WNV is primarily transmitted from bird to bird by mosquitoes. In some species it is nearly always fatal. The presence of dead birds in a neighborhood is often the first indication of WNV activity.
WNV originated in Africa and was first recognized in the United States in 1999. There is currently no cure; however, most people don’t exhibit any symptoms. Since 2003, there have been more than 4,000 reported infections and 145 deaths in California, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), so the threat should be taken seriously. Symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, skin rashes and nausea, which can present anywhere from five to 15 days after exposure, and can last several days or months.
Popular Creekside Park is the venue for Walnut’s summer concert and movie series, and there are a number of precautions you can take to prevent infection during this event or any outdoor activity.
Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, and when enjoying warm summer evenings, be sure to wear loose-fitting long pants and sleeves, and shoes and socks. Treating exposed skin areas and outside clothing with repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, and oils of lemon eucalyptus can also be helpful, according to the CDC.
For more information, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov.
