West Nile virus has been confirmed in the Artesia area. Currently, the virus is widespread throughout Los Angeles County. Here is information to help you be more aware of the disease.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to people and animals by an infected mosquito. There is no cure or vaccine for West Nile virus. About 20 percent of people infected will experience flu-like symptoms. One out of 150 infected people require hospitalization. Mosquitos kill more humans than bears, snakes and sharks COMBINED.
You can protect yourself and others by locating dirty, stagnant water. Stagnant water provides the perfect breeding zone for mosquitoes, and within a week mosquito larvae may start to infest the water. If the water is on your property, please dump and drain the water.
Being aware of when mosquitoes are most active is also useful. Be mindful that mosquitoes are most active at dusk, and at dawn. The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) advises staying indoors during those hours.
You can also wear insect repellant if you are in an area with mosquitoes. GLACVCD recommends mosquito repellants that have the following active ingredients: DEET, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and Picardidin.
If there are mosquitoes in your neighborhood, contact GLACVCD at (562) 944-9656.