West Nile virus detected in Pico Rivera

PICO RIVERA – West Nile virus has been detected for the first time this year in Los Angeles County after mosquito samples collected in Pico Rivera and Long Beach tested positive for the virus, officials announced Wednesday.

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District confirmed that infected mosquito samples were collected through mosquito traps in the two cities, signaling that West Nile virus activity is now present in local mosquito populations.

“West Nile virus is regularly detected in the environment throughout Los Angeles County, and these early detections are a reminder that mosquito season is already underway,” Angela Caranci, the district’s scientific-technical manager, said in a statement.

The virus is primarily spread by the native Culex mosquito, which is most active from dusk to dawn. Health officials urged residents to use mosquito repellent outdoors and eliminate standing water around their homes to help reduce mosquito breeding.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

Officials also encouraged residents to inspect their properties for stagnant water sources, including clogged gutters, buckets, bird baths, discarded tires, ponds, and neglected swimming pools.

According to the vector control district, one in five people infected with West Nile virus develops symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or skin rash. In rare cases, the virus can lead to severe neurological illness, hospitalization, paralysis, or death.

There is currently no human vaccine or cure for West Nile virus.