PALMDALE – A dead crow in East Palmdale that was reported to the statewide West Nile Virus hotline on July 11 has tested positive for the virus, authorities announced. It was picked up near 60th Street East and Avenue R, according to the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.
“Dead birds are another indicator that West Nile Virus has reemerged in the AV,” stated District Manager Cei Kratz. “The virus is endemic and will resurface each year at different times and with varied intensity depending on weather and other factors. The heat wave in late May and early June has started the transmission cycle a little earlier than in the past couple of years.”
West Nile Virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Although most people that are infected do not show any symptoms, West Nile Virus is a potentially debilitating disease. Even mild cases of West Nile fever can cause patients enormous pain and discomfort for months.
The California Department of Public Health, as of July 18, reported West Nile Virus activity from 30 counties in 547 dead birds, 896 mosquito samples, and 19 sentinel chickens. No human cases have been reported to date for 2016.
The Antelope Valley has a total of four chickens and one bird that tested positive for WNV. [View a map here.]
District officials are urging residents to follow these tips to avoid getting mosquito bites and West Nile Virus infection:
- Check your property for any standing water from sprinklers or thunder showers, and dump or drain all standing water. Keep swimming pools maintained or completely dry.
- Dress in light-colored long-sleeved clothes during mosquito activity. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.
- Defend against mosquitoes by use repellents (i.e., DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535).
- Keep screen doors and windows in good repair and close them.
- Turn on fans to keep mosquitoes away.
- Don’t use bug zappers near your patio – they attract more mosquitoes than they kill.
To stay up-to-date on West Nile Virus activity and mosquito-related information in the Antelope Valley, visit www.avmosquito.org.
For more information, contact the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District at 661-942-2917.
[Information via news release from the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.]
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