West Nile Virus Detected in Santa Monica

By Lookout Staff

October 6 – City officials are urging residents to take appropriate precautions after a dead American crow found in Santa Monica tested positive for the West Nile Virus late last month.

The discovery indicates that the virus is active in the mosquito population in the City, making the area where the crow was discovered the 56th zip code in L.A. County where the virus has been detected, health authorities said.

Homeowners should be especially cautious since approximately 80 percent of all mosquito breeding occurs at private homes, City officials said.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in areas with standing water and can become adults in as few as seven days, officials said.

To reduce chances of becoming infected with the virus residents are being urged to follow the "Five Ds":

• DRAIN - Reduce standing water in or near your property by draining, removing and/or frequently changing water in birdbaths, buckets and outdoor containers. Avoid over-watering to reduce water collection on lawns and pavement.
  
• DENY - Deny entry to your home by mosquito-proofing it with tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.
  
• DAWN & DUSK - Avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk.
  
• DRESS - Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
  
• DEET - For additional protection from mosquitoes, use an insect repellent containing 25-35 percent DEET, following all instructions on the product label. (Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying to children's hands.)

“It is known that 80 percent of people who contract WNV will not show any symptoms at all, while some 20 percent who become infected will display mild symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches that last a few days,” according to information posted on the City’s web site.

“Less than one percent will suffer a more severe infection, which may be marked by additional symptoms, including neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and, in rare cases, death.”

City officials urge those who develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness and severe headaches to contact their physician.

Report mosquito complaints (including neglected ponds, pools, spas, etc.) to the Los Angeles County West Vector Control District at (310) 915-7370. Visit these web sites for more detailed information about West Nile Virus:

www.lawestvector.org

www.lapublichealth.org/acd/vectorwestnile

www.westnile.ca.gov