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West Nile Virus activity continues to increase in Antelope Valley

by The AV Times Staff • September 10, 2015

Even a small amount of water on top of a plastic bag that might have blown into your yard can hold enough water for mosquito larvae to thrive, according to the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Even a small amount of water on top of a plastic bag that might have blown into your yard can hold enough water for mosquito larvae to thrive, according to the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

LANCASTER – The Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reports that 14 more sentinel chickens have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The infected chickens are located throughout the Antelope Valley, including Lancaster, Quartz Hill and Palmdale, said District Entomologist Karen Mellor.

The chickens “sero-converted,” which means the blood tests taken from them showed antibodies to the West Nile Virus, indicating that an infected mosquito bit them.

“Chickens don’t actually get sick from the virus, which makes them an ideal early warning system without hurting them,” said District Manager Cei Kratz. “The increase of positive chickens tells us that there are infectious mosquitoes in the AV and everybody should do their part, to avoid them.”

Wednesday’s thunderstorm and rain created standing water and puddles that could create mosquito habitat. District officials are urging residents to dump and drain standing water on their property to avoid further mosquito problems.

They also provided the following 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.
  • 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).
  • Turn on fans to keep mosquitoes away.
  • Keep screen doors and windows in good repair and close them.
  • Don’t use bug zappers near your patio – they attract more mosquitoes than they kill.
  • Get free mosquito-eating fish (Gambusia affinis) for fish ponds, pools and horse troughs.
  • Vaccinate your horses properly.
  • Report stagnant pools and other backyard sources to the AVMVCD.
  • Report dead birds by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.

West Nile Virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected do not show any symptoms, however, West Nile Virus is a potentially debilitating disease. Even mild cases of West Nile fever can cause patients enormous pain and discomfort for months. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for complications than others. In 2013, West Nile Virus contributed to the death of a West Lancaster man in his 70s. [Read more here.]

The California Department of Public Health, as of Sept. 9, reported West Nile Virus activity from 40 counties in 701 dead birds, 2,303 mosquito samples, and 193 sentinel chickens, as well as 108 human cases with two fatalities.

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, call 661-942-2917.

[Information via news release from the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.]

Previous related stories:

More West Nile Virus positive chickens in the AV

First sign of West Nile Virus in the AV for 2015

Recent rains increase mosquito numbers

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Filed Under: Health, Lancaster

4 comments for "West Nile Virus activity continues to increase in Antelope Valley"

  1. Savanna says

    September 10, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    What are the symptoms cause when I got biut I got really sick an no clue what it was

    • AV Mosquito says

      September 11, 2015 at 7:11 am

      Most people don’t have any symptoms and get over it without even knowing they were infected. About 20% have symptoms that can range from “flu-like” (fever, headaches, body aches, nausea) to encephalitis and meningitis (swelling of brain or tissue around it) which can lead to high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis. For more information check out this website: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html

  2. Laura DeGhionno says

    September 10, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    Its No JOKE got it in 2009 I was 48 in GREAT HEALTH I was diagnosed with West Niles ENCEPHALITIS MENINGITIS it ATTACKS your BRAIN!! Still have problems because of it…BUT….Our Government doesn’t seem to think we need a Vaccine for Humans…They have a Vaccine for Horses but No Humans!

    • AV Mosquito says

      September 11, 2015 at 7:37 am

      It’s not the government who’s stopping this… The problem with the human vaccine is, that it’s VERY expensive to develop one, because of all the safety measures that are required before it can be given to people. There are less restrictions for Animal vaccines. Plus only about 20% of people get sick and most of those get better within a few weeks and about 40% of infected horses will get very sick and die or have to be put down.
      The other thing is that people don’t even get a flu shot that kills thousands of people each year, so they would probably not get a shot for WNV. Unfortunately that makes it a tough sell for pharmaceutical companies to invest in the development of such a vaccine.

      Would you consider being a spokesperson for us, so we can convey the importance of our message to the AV residents? People don’t think it’s a real problem until someone they know gets infected. Contact me, if you’re interested: Karen@avmosquito.org

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