The West Nile Virus has officially made its appearance in Los Angeles county for the 2010 year. Two dead birds have tested positive for the disease, on in the Stevenson Ranch area of Santa Clarita and the other in Silver Lake.
"These two West Nile virus positive dead birds are evidence that West Nile virus continues to persist in Los Angeles," said Director of Scientific-Technical Services Susanne Kluh, who works for the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD).
In many people the disease has no symptoms at all and can pass unnoticed. But for those who do become symptomatic, the West Nile Virus can become serious, even lifethreatening. It can manifest as fever, headaches, can cause a rash and vomiting. Birds, too can carry the virus with no symptoms or be fatally affected.
The disease is transmitted by mosquito from bird to human or horse, so control of the mosquito vector is the key to controlling it. After rains, many outdoor items become unintended receptacles for water. Even small pools of water are ideal for mosquito eggs to hatch into the swimming larvae that will then produce the blood-feeding adult.
More infected birds have been found in northern Los Angeles in August of 2010. So keep vigilant about any potential water source that can breed mosquitoes.
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