A sampling of mosquitoes collected in Cerritos tested positive for West Nile virus, and disease-control officials warned residents Wednesday to take precautions.
The mosquitoes were collected in the 90703 ZIP code, according to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. Two dead West Nile-positive birds were found in Cerritos last week.
Susanne Kluh, the district's director of scientific and technical services, said this is the first case of West Nile virus detected in Southern House mosquitoes in the Los Angeles basin this season.
"As a result, disease risk is elevated and residents should take precautions by wearing inspect repellent when outdoors between dusk and dawn," Kluh said, adding that residents outside of Cerritos should take similar precautions.
"Just because the virus has not been detected in your neighborhood does not mean you are not at risk," she said.
The district urged residents to take precautions including:
-- draining standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets or other containers;
-- properly maintaining swimming pools, spas and ponds; and
-- changing the water in pet dishes and replacing water in bird baths weekly.
Residents should use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
The district said it is encouraging members of the public to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control at the California Department of Public Health's toll-free hotline at (877) WNV BIRD or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.
Information on anti-West Nile efforts is available from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656 or www.glacvcd.org.
