West Nile virus detected in San Gabriel Valley

As summer rolls on, the threat posed by mosquitos in Southern California continues to grow.

On Monday, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed the first detection of West Nile virus in its service area.

“The virus was detected in a mosquito sample collected from a surveillance trap near Morgan Park in the city of Baldwin Park,” officials said.

West Nile virus, which can be fatal to people , was also recently detected near Huntington Beach in Orange County .

“There is no cure or human vaccine for West Nile virus,” said Tristan Hallum, director of scientific programs for the SGVMVCD. “Therefore, the best method of protection is to prevent mosquito bites and reduce potential mosquito sources.”

Those sources include standing water, which West Hollywood residents are worried could endanger those near the Melrose Triangle due to a stalled construction project and the stagnant water that accumulated there.

Officials encourage members of the public to tip out stagnant water and wear insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.

For more information on repellants, click here .

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