Dead Bird with West Nile Virus Found in Encino

One more dead bird with the potentially deadly West Nile Virus was found in a bird in Encino in the 91316 ZIP code.

"These tests show a continuing need to be vigilante in trying to prevent places for mosquitoes to breed," said Crystal Brown, public information officer of the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.

In this case, it is important to never touch a dead bird that may be found in the neighborhood and certainly educate children of the dangers of touching any dead wildlife they may find.

In the past week, 23 additional dead birds were found with the West Nile Virus, and nine were found in the San Fernando Valley area, including communities such as Studio City, Chatsworth, North Hollywood and Van Nuys.

Of the mosquito samples testing positive for the virus, nearly one-fourth of them, 18 of the 42, were found in the San Fernando Valley, particularly in Encino and Chatsworth.

Brown said that residents should seek out any standing water, especially in pools and fountains, that could provide breeding grounds for mosquitos which transmit the virus to humans. The Vector Control District can help eradicate breeding in ponds and pools with fish that eat the bugs.

Brown explained that most of the mosquito species found in Southern California that spread West Nile virus are most active between dusk and dawn, and so outdoor activities should be avoided during that time whenever possible.

Vector officials recommend wearing long sleeve shirts and pants aat night and using insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil.

Please refer to the chart below for a breakdown of the 23 WNV positive dead birds identified this past week.  

City or Community

Zip Code(s)

Number of WNV+

dead birds collected

Artesia

90701

1

Bellflower

90706

1

Cerritos

90703

4

Chatsworth

91311

1

Encino

91316

1

La Mirada

90638

1

Long Beach

90815

2

North Hills

91343

1

North Hollywood

91606

1

Northridge

91325

1

Norwalk

90650

3

Studio City

91604

2

Sylmar

91342

1

Van Nuys

91405

1

West Hills

91307

1

Whittier

90603

1 

Please refer to the chart below for a breakdown of the 42 West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples identified this past week. 

City or Community

Zip Code(s)

Number of WNV+

mosquito samples collected

Bellflower

90706

2

Burbank

91502

1

Chatsworth

91311

3

Downey

90241, 90240

5

Encino

91436

7

Granada Hills

91344

2

Hawaiian Gardens

90716

1

Lakewood

90713, 90712

6

Long Beach

90808

1

Mission Hills

91345

1

Montebello

90640

1

Northridge

91326

1

Pico Rivera

90660

4

South El Monte

91733

2

Van Nuys

91406

4

Whittier

90604

1

"We will still be making visits to areas that we have identified as hot spots and bring fliers to the neighborhoods," said Brown, who a few weekends ago.

Only in the southern end of Los Angeles County has tested more for the West Nile Virus than Studio City, and Brown said it has nothing to do with the Los Angeles River, because the water is generally moving there.

The new tests not only show the first incidents of the virus in North Hollywood for 2011, but also for the communities of North Hills in the West Valley and Artesia and Mission Hills.

The Los Angeles totals for the year are 74 positive dead birds, 249 positive mosquito samples, and four sentinel chickens with West Nile Virus antibodies so far this year.

Statewide, there have been 221 positive dead birds and 808 positive mosquito samples.

Residents can be proactive and follow the 3 D's of West Nile virus prevention to help stop the transmission of West Nile virus:

1. Dump/Drain - Eliminate standing water because that's where mosquitoes breed.

2. Dusk/Dawn - Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.

3. Defend - Wear insect repellent containing EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or Lemon Eucalyptus Oil and long-sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors. Use properly-fitted screens free from tears on windows and doors around your home to keep mosquitoes out.

For more information about West Nile virus and our vector control services, call 562-944-9656 or visit glacvcd.org.  

For statewide information and statistics about West Nile virus, or to report a dead bird or squirrel, visit www.westnile.ca.gov or call 1-877-WNV BIRD.

Click here for information on the easiest ways to free your house of mosquitoes.  

Click here for all the health information.