A resource for residents of Encino, California—find out how you can contribute.

West Nile Virus in Encino

July 17, 2010

Each summer mosquitoes in the Valley are infected with West Nile Virus. The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District publish what they find in their traps (go here - then “Latest News” and click on the press releases). Check here for current West Nile Virus mosquito activity statewide.

Update: from late 2011, the big worry increasingly is the new invader the Asian Tiger Mosquito - shown in the photo above. It is an aggressive biter that feeds primarily during the day. More here.

Is it anything to worry about? Perhaps a little during hot weather, when human cases are reported in California. There are many people eager to panic, which is why the media are careful not to sensationalize the story. Usually they are content to run the usual warning message about paying attention to when mosquitoes are out (dusk and dawn), wearing insect repellent and appropriate clothes and eliminating pools of stagnant water. That means cleaning unused swimming pools, spas and jacuzzis and, if you have a pond, putting in some guppies (mosquitofish), which will eliminate the larvae.

Mosquitoes spread the virus when they bite and infect birds, mostly crows. The birds “amplify” the virus so that when humans are bitten the virus packs enough punch to have an effect. To quote an LA County press release: “There is no cure for West Nile Virus. One in five persons with West Nile Virus will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms usually occur between 5 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.”

Photo: Mathias Krumbholz

Follow Encino411  »   Encino411 on Facebook   Encino411 RSS
Encino Bulletin Board Green Resources in Encino
Recycling
 
Water
Conservation
 
Edible
Gardening
 
Disaster
Preparedness
 
Elder Care
 
Pregnancy, Infants
and Childcare
 
Volunteering
 
Pet Care and
Wildlife
 
ENERGY
CONSERVATION
 
MARKETS AND
FOOD
 
URBAN
PLANNING
 
TEEN ISSUES
 
RESTAURANTS
 
HOUSEHOLD
CHEMICALS
 
GREEN CARS
AND COMMUTING
 
EDUCATION
 
COMMUNITY AND
HISTORY
 
HEALTH AND
EXERCISE
 
SOAPBOX
Site Map

About Encino411

Encino411 is a website for residents of Encino, California, with information on recycling, edible gardening, environmentally friendly housekeeping, tips on volunteering in the community, disaster preparedness, elder care, markets and other green products.

Learn more »