Los Angeles

Mosquito Rap Video Aims to Prevent West Nile Virus

This catchy hip-hop influenced mosquito rap video could save your life ... no, really.

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District is aiming to catch the ears and attention of students with their bass heavy, fact-filled song all about mosquito prevention. With an active West Nile virus year in effect in Los Angeles County, the GLACVCD is on a mission to educate about mosquito-borne diseases.

In early September, the state Department of Public Health confirmed the first deaths of three Southern California residents this year due to the West Nile Virus. As of Sept. 18, there were 143 human West Nile virus cases in California, according to the state’s West Nile virus website.

The song is produced by the GLACVCD and written and performed by "Metamorphasis." And while you may be tempted to turn up the volume, the district wants you to put the tips to use and "stay bite-free."

Here are four precautions shared by the district that you can take against the tiny predators:

  1. Identify all containers that can hold water and either dump and drain the water once a week or throw away the containers.
  2. Get insect repellent - When purchasing insect repellent in stores, look for any of the following active ingredients that have been proven to keep mosquitoes away: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and IR3535. 
  3. Educate family and friends to understand the mosquito issues in your city and how they can help prevent them.
  4. Call the GLACVCD for help at 562-944-9656 or submit an online service request at www.ReportMosquitoes.org if the mosquitoes continue to be an issue around the home.
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