Officials Need Help From Public To Control West Nile

This story was written by Aaron Castrejon

Their San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is asking the community to help curb the spread of West Nile virus in the area.

Over 300,000 parcels of land rest in the valley, and with only seven full-time technicians tasked to inspect that entire area, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has a daunting task in quelling the spread of the West Nile Virus.

Within the last two weeks, it was reported that several dead birds found in Arcadia and Covina tested positive for West Nile and five people were infected with the disease, officials said.

"We like to think that our educational efforts are effective. It's an ongoing effort," said Kenn Fujioka, SGVMVC district manager.

While vector control technicians inspect problem areas to identify and halt mosquito breeding, aid from the public is essential.

"Vector control can't do it alone. Public responsibility goes a long way towards controlling the mosquitoes."

The single best method for residents to use in preventing the spread of West Nile is to dispose of standing water, commonly found sitting in buckets, barrels and old tires, etc. Changing out the water from decorative objects, such as bird feeders and fountains, every four days can effectively control mosquito breeding, Fujioka said.

Vector control districts are authorized by the health and safety code to punish property owners who continually refuse to clear their property. Liens can also be put on the property, while fines of up to $1,000 per day can be issued, Fujioka said.

Officials, however, would rather work with property owners to alleviate the problem without fines.

"A single female mosquito would lay anywhere from 150 to 200 eggs. About 100 percent will hatch. Let's say that half of them survive. According to biology, about half of those were male, half were female. Each of the females will get a chance to lay eggs. It increases in a hurry," Fujioka said.

In 2012, there were 174 human cases of West Nile virus in Los Angeles County, the second-highest since 2004, according to the county.

West Nile virus is passed to human beings through the bite of an infected mosquito, which typically obtains the disease by feeding on infected birds.

Health officials said about 20 percent of people infected with the virus will experience symptoms such as fever, headaches, nausea, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash.

Health officials recommend that to avoid the disease, residents should:

• avoid outdoor activities around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
• wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors;
• apply insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus;
• keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out; and
• eliminate all sources of standing water around their homes and properly maintain ornamental ponds, pools and spas

Residents can report inoperable swimming pools, or fountains to the SGVMVC.

Residents are urged to report all dead birds to www.westnile.ca.gov, by clicking this link http://www.westnile.ca.gov/report_wnv.php or by calling (877) 968-2473.

--City News Service contributed to this report