Santa Fe Springs, CA (July 5, 2022) – The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD/District) has confirmed two West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples collected in the City of San Marino (91108). GLACVCD reported the first West Nile virus mosquito sample within the District’s service area this year on June 2nd. The additional detections bring the District’s positive mosquito samples to three this season.

West Nile virus is endemic to Los Angeles County, and warm temperatures can increase virus activity and mosquito populations. In 2021, 148 WNV human cases were reported in California, 17 of which were from Los Angeles County. Visit VectorSurv Maps for a comprehensive look at this year’s WNV activity throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California.

“The District will continue monitoring disease activity and controlling mosquitoes. WNV occurs every summer and may also be present in areas where it has not yet been detected,” said Steve Vetrone, director of Scientific-Technical Services. “As residents enjoy the outdoors throughout the summer, it is important they take precautions against mosquito-transmitted diseases like WNV by wearing insect repellent.”

Because there is no human vaccine or cure for West Nile virus, residents must be proactive at preventing the mosquito-transmitted disease through protection. Many mosquito repellents are available to prevent bites, but they do not all work equally well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend products with the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus as being safe and effective against mosquitoes that can transmit diseases when used according to the labels.  

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their neighborhoods by taking these additional steps: 

• Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week. 
• Change the water in pet dishes, bird baths and other small containers weekly. 
• Request mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds. 
• Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district. 

For more information, residents can contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at 562-944-9656, online at www.GLAmosquito.org, or on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.   

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Media Contact

Mary-Joy Coburn, Director of Communications | mjcoburn@GLAmosquito.org