Fears of further West Nile virus infection in LA County this summer have prompted warnings to guard against mosquito bites this Labor Day weekend.
Twenty-seven mosquito samples and four dead birds collected throughout Los Angeles County tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.
In addition, five more surveillance chickens tested positive for West Nile virus antibodies.
So far this year, officials have reported 267 positive mosquito samples and 63 dead birds.
In addition, a total of 17 surveillance chickens have shown antibodies for West Nile virus.
Tips to prevent mosquito breeding and guard against mosquito-transmitted
illnesses:
- Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs and anything that holds water for more than a week.
- Change the water in pet dishes and birdbaths weekly.
- Ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained and report neglected pools in your neighborhood.
- Request free mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas and ponds.
- Wear insect repellent containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or IR3535 when outdoors where mosquitoes are present.
More Southern California Stories:
- Wine Thief Gets 6 Years in Prison
- Couple Questioned in Infant's Drowning
- Bus Driver Rescues Kids From Rushing Water
- Opponents of Oil Drilling in Preserve Lose Ally
- House Collapses in East LA
- Wild Weather Descends on IE
- Driver Wanted in 210 Fwy Death
- Stingray Warning During Holiday Weekend
Photo Credit: Getty Images