L.A. County West Nile threat limited

By the end of July, about the middle of mosquito season, Los Angeles County had not reported a single human case of West Nile virus.

The county Department of Public Health, however, has identified West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes in the county. Ventura, Orange and San Diego counties have all found virus-infected birds.

West Nile virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. According to Jack Hazelrigg, Los Angeles County Vector Control district manager, mosquito season in Southern California begins about the first week of May and continues until mid to late October.

Birds play an important role in carrying and spreading the virus. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds and then transmit the disease to people.

West Nile can cause encephalitis-an inflammation of the brain-and even death. People and animals with weak immune systems are very susceptible to West Nile complications, he said.

Hazelrigg said babies, the elderly and people who are already ill are most at risk, but added that anyone could be infected.

According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of 150 people bitten by infected mosquitoes, less than 1 percent will become severely ill. Most people won't get sick or will experience only mild symptoms.

Symptoms of West Nile virus, fever, body aches, skin rashes, nausea and headaches, usually appear five to 15 days after a bite from an infected mosquito.

The CDC advises several steps be taken to avoid infection. Go to www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/ westnile for information or call (888) 246-2675.

Preventing the problem

To keep mosquitoes from targeting a home and yard, experts recommend eliminating standing pools of water.

Don't allow water, even a few drops, to sit in flowerpots, trashcans or old tires.

Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated. If a pool is covered, make sure water doesn't form puddles on the cover.

Experts recommend stocking garden ponds with gold fish or mosquitofish. Birdbaths and wading pools should be drained and washed every few days. Free mosquitofish may be obtained from the Los Angeles County West

Vector Control District at

(310) 915-7370.

Avoiding

the bite

To avoid being

bitten by mosqui

toes, experts said to use insect repellents with no more than 35 percent DEET (diethyl meta toluamide) for adults and a less-concentrated solution for children.

Always wear protective clothing. Make sure home window screens are undamaged to prevent mosquitoes from invading.

For those who live near mosquito-infested areas, stay indoors at dawn and dusk when the insects are feeding.

Those who suspect they may have been infected with West Nile virus should see a doctor immediately.