West Nile Virus Found in Encino Mosquitoes
Residents were encouraged to use insect repellent while outdoors
Thursday, Jul 15, 2010 | Updated 4:46 PM PST
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A mosquito sits on a stick April 9, 2009 in Martinez, California. Unseasonably warm weather for Northern California.
Mosquitoes collected in Encino have tested positive for West Nile virus, county disease-control officials announced Thursday.
According to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, the mosquitoes are the first WNV-positive insects to have been found within the district's coverage area this year. Two dead birds had been collected within the district earlier this year, officials said.
District officials noted that cooler temperatures have kept West Nile activity low this year, but with temperatures rising, residents should take proper preventative measures.
Residents were encouraged to use insect repellent while outdoors, and wear long-sleeve shirts and pants between dusk and down, when mosquitoes are most active. Resident were also asked to eliminate stagnant pools of water, where mosquitoes often breed.
