Vector control confirms SGV mosquitoes carry West Nile virus

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has found a mosquito sample with West Nile virus in surveillance trap in the city of Baldwin Park, the district announced Monday.

The trap was located in the city’s Morgan Park, officials said.

“West Nile virus can be transmitted by the native Culex mosquito species which is most active at dusk and dawn,” district Director of Scientific Programs Tristan Hallum said in a statement. “There is no cure or human vaccine for West Nile virus. Therefore, the best method of protection is to prevent mosquito bites and reduce potential mosquito sources.”

Because West Nile virus is regularly found in the San Gabriel Valley, officials usually detect it during summer months when warm overnight temperatures are favorable to mosquito populations and disease transmission.

District officials said they will continue monitoring disease activity and controlling mosquitoes in public spaces by doing routine inspections and necessary insecticide treatments, but urged residents to take precautions.

“Mosquito control is a shared responsibility,” officials said.

These actions to stay healthy and bite-free were recommended:

• drain and clear out stagnant water around the home at least once a week;
• throw away unused containers that can hold stagnant water; and
• protect against bites by using insect repellent that has any one of these CDC-recommended ingredients: Picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD, or IR3535.

For more information, residents can contact the vector control district at 626-814-9466 or visit its website SGVmosquito.org or Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.