Image via WikipediaFOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE LOS CERRITOS COMMUNITY NEWS AT www.LosCerritosNews.netOfficials urge residents to take precautions, and to report dead birds.
By Randy Economy
Los Cerritos Community News
Staff Reporter
The number of dead birds infected with the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Cerritos has now tripled to six during the past month, and officials at the Los Angeles County V
Image via Wikipediaector Control Area are urging residents to take precautions during the next several weeks.
The total number of birds infected with WNV for the entire county of Los Angeles is now up to nine, with six of them being found in a small area located near the popular Cerritos Towne Square.
The dates and specific sites where the six infected dead birds are:
June 8th at the 12000 block of Beach Street (American Crow), June 13th at the 12000 block of Fall Creek (American Crow), June 14th at the 12000 block of Glen Creek Road (American Crow), June 17th at the 12000 Oak Crest (Species unknown), June 20th at the 16000 block of Sierra Vista Way (American Crow), and one June 22nd at the 12000 block of Cottonwood (American Crow).
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| Vector Control crews hit the streets of Cerritos on Monday morning. |
There have been nine total positive mosquito samples confirmed within District boundaries this year to date.
Vector Control staff will be stepping up mosquito control, surveillance, and public education activities in areas where increased virus activity has been confirmed. Residents should note the posting of West Nile virus warning signs in these areas and take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
The District recommends the following safety precautions:
• Dump and drain all sources of standing water on or near your property to discourage mosquito breeding.
• Avoid spending time outdoors between dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• If outdoors during these times, wear long sleeved shirts and pants. • Apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always apply according to label instructions.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
• Contact GLACVCD if there is a significant mosquito breeding source near your work or home.
The public is also strongly encouraged to report dead birds to the California Department of
Public Health (CDPH) to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts because birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus. After a resident has reported a dead bird, he or she will be contacted by a state employee to determine the condition of the bird and if it is suitable for WNV testing. All dead bird reports are used for surveillance purposes and are important even if the bird is not submitted for testing.
Contact CDPH to report a dead bird by calling their toll-free hotline at 877-WNV BIRD or by visiting them online at www.westnile.ca.gov.
1 comment:
Thanks for the warning and the update and the complete information.
I live on one of those streets you listed, thanks of posting the areas that are affected. Go Los Cerritos News!
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