One Pasadenan Has Contracted West Nile Virus, And Local Health Officials Are Working To Prevent More Infections

The dangerous West Nile virus (WNV) continues to be detected in mosquito and bird populations in the San  Gabriel Valley and one Pasadena resident is known to have contracted the virus this tear, a city health official said.

Manuel Carmona, Acting Director of the Pasadena Public Health Department, said that as of September 9,  there have been 11 human West Nile vims cases reported in Los Angeles County, including one in  Pasadena. 

Mosquito control experts are advising residents to remove stagnant water due to the early  September rain. The stagnant rainwater sitting in containers can result in a risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the community. 

City officials said that if residents notice any stagnant water issues in their community, they can submit a tip online or call 626-814-9466.  

The City and San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District offered this advice:

1. Tip ‘n Toss – Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle from egg to adult in one week. Eliminate stagnant water weekly in and around the home. Don’t forget to keep your pool clean and maintained. 
2. Repel – Apply repellent to exposed skin to stop mosquito bites. Use Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), which is EPA-registered and CDC-recommended. Other effective repellents are Picaridin, DEET, and IR3535. 
3. Educate friends, neighbors and family – San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District challenges you to educate at least two more people about mosquitoes. The more residents understand that mosquito control is a shared responsibility, the healthier local communities will be. 

Pasadena is a member of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, one of five vector control districts in Los Angeles County tasked with controlling and preventing mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. 

Year-round, the agency monitors stagnant water sources, such as gutters,  storm drains, channels and non-functional swimming pools. The agency also routinely monitors populations of adult mosquitoes using traps, and tests groups of adult female mosquitoes for the presence of West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. 

In addition, the agency submits samples from dead birds, such as crows, for testing, which can provide insight into the spread of West Nile Virus. To learn  more about the services provided visit www.sgvmosquito.org.