West Nile Virus in Encino

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