The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District said the virus was detected in mosquitoes collected from a surveillance trap in the city. The agency will continue monitoring mosquito activity and conducting control efforts in public areas through inspections and treatments as needed.
“West Nile virus is a recurring concern in our region because it is endemic to our area,” Director of Scientific Programs Tristan Hallum said in a statement. “There is no cure or human vaccine for WNV. The key to staying safe and protecting your health is to prevent mosquito bites.”
Officials said West Nile virus activity typically increases during the warmer months, when higher overnight temperatures accelerate mosquito breeding and virus transmission.
The district urged residents to eliminate standing water around their homes by emptying containers weekly and discarding unused items that can collect water. Residents also were advised to use insect repellents containing CDC-recommended ingredients, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. About one in five infected people develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea or a skin rash, while about one in 150 people develop severe illness requiring hospitalization.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of serious complications, officials said.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District serves communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley and conducts year-round mosquito surveillance and testing for West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
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