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Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
12545 Florence Avenue,
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
562-944-9656

West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes Confirmed in Los Angeles County
This is the first positive West Nile virus mosquito pool within the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Service Area

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD/District) has confirmed West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples in Los Angeles County. The positive mosquito samples were collected from mosquito traps in Bellflower (90706), Studio City (91602), and Tarzana (91356), confirming the presence of the virus in mosquito populations within the community.

While this confirmation serves as the District’s first positive West Nile virus mosquito pool this year, virus activity has been increasing steadily throughout California, including other vector control jurisdictions within the County. Additionally, the District submitted a dead bird located in Valley Village which has been confirmed positive for WNV.

“West Nile virus is detected every summer by local public health agencies because it is endemic to Los Angeles County,” said Susanne Kluh, director of Scientific-Technical Services at GLACVCD. “This virus is spread through our bird population and transmitted to humans with the bite of an infected mosquito.”

Because there is no human vaccine for West Nile Virus, residents must be proactive against mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent. Many mosquito repellents are available to prevent bites, but they do not all work equally well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend products with the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus as being safe and effective against mosquitoes that can transmit disease when used according to the labels.

“Our agency will continue monitoring disease activity and keep residents informed so they can protect themselves form mosquito bites during dusk and dawn. ,” said Anais Medina Diaz, public information officer for GLACVCD. “But it is very important to remember that at this time the virus could be anywhere, even though we may not have detected it yet.”

One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for several days 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. If residents feel they are experiencing symptoms, it is
strongly recommended to consult their primary care physician.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their neighborhoods by taking these additional steps:

• Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week.
• Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.
• Change the water in pet dishes, bird baths and other small containers weekly.
• Request mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds.
• Wear EPA-recommended insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present.
• Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.

For an extensive list of sources and recommended solutions, visit www.tiptosstakeaction.org. For more information, residents can contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at 562-944-9656, online at www.glacvcd.org, or on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

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About West Nile virus
WNV is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for WNV. One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for several days 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.

About GLACVCD
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District is a public health service agency formed under the authority of the California State Health & Safety Code. Our mission is to reduce populations of public health vectors below nuisance levels and prevent human infection associated with mosquito-transmitted diseases. 

The seasonal LAPD online portal is open early this year, as of June 1. All fireworks continue to be illegal in the City of Los Angeles; if you see fireworks in your neighborhood, please report them at https://complaint.lacity.org/Complaint/fireworks/, include as much information as possible on the incident (address, description of suspect, whether fireworks are actively underway, etc).

To learn more about Los Angeles City Council's motion to pursue new strategies to curtail illegal fireworks - click the READ MORE button below.

Notice: Fireworks complaints are accepted within the city limits of LA only. Incidents occuring in other areas shouild be reported to the law enforcement agency for that area. LAPD will not forward complaints to other agencies. 

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Mayor Eric Garcetti has issued an order requiring Angelenos to wear face coverings when they leave their homes and will be near other people. The order will aid the fight against COVID-19, as restrictions are gradually eased to allow more people to return to work and outdoor recreation.

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ONEgeneration Senior Center – West Valley Food Pantry – Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley

Tarzana Neighborhood Council (TNC) is proud to announce it has awarded $15,000 to local charities that are providing vital meals and food to those in need in our community.

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Portola Middle School – Tarzana Elementary School - Tarzana Recreation Summer Camp – Southern California Preparedness Foundation

Tarzana Neighborhood Council (TNC) is proud to announce that it has awarded more than $9,000.00 to organizations serving children and families in our community. This is in addition to the $15,000.00 that was recently awarded to local food pantries including ONEgeneration Senior Center, West Valley Food Pantry, and the Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley.

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News from California Audubon

Andrea Jones, Director of Bird Conservation at Audubon California
Joanna Wu, Avian Ecologist at National Audubon Society

Smoky days are degrading our air quality and the respiratory health of millions of people. Our hearts go out to those who have been displaced, lost a home, or loved one.

Many of you have asked how this impacts birds. Wildfires are posing a new stressor to birds who are already threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. Various species are on the move to escape the flames and migrate. However, many wild food sources and rest areas are scorched, leaving birds highly vulnerable. What can we do to help birds? During this crisis, we recommend taking two simple steps to help local and migrating birds stay clean and nourished: providing water and food.  (Cont.’d on the TNC’s GREENSPACE resource page HERE)