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Organization: Greater L.A. Vector Control
Date: August 4, 2008
West Nile Virus Risk for Southern California Residents Highest Since 2004 Epidemic
Local Mosquito & Vector Control Agencies Ban Together to Combat Threat
Residents Must Cooperate to Eliminate Backyard Sources and Protect Against Mosquito Bites
Southern California is leading the State in West Nile virus activity. Hundreds of dead birds and mosquito samples collected throughout the State's southern region have tested positive for the virus. So far this year, 566 dead birds and 316 mosquito samples have been confirmed positive for West Nile virus in Southern California. The level of virus activity outpaces that of recent years and the risk of human infection in Southern California is the highest it has been since the region's 2004 epidemic. Preventative measures taken by both mosquito and vector control districts and the public are critical to reducing the risks of the disease.
A joint press conference hosted by vector control agencies in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties (Tuesday in Garden Grove) will be held to discuss efforts to combat mosquito populations and reduce West Nile virus disease transmission. Officials from local mosquito and vector control agencies will discuss residents' responsibilities to eliminate backyard mosquito breeding sources and outline how they can protect themselves from mosquitoes and another outbreak of this potentially deadly virus. Local public health agencies will be on hand to discuss human West Nile virus cases in Southern California.
