(August 11, 2005) -- LB's Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) says a 71 year-old LB woman has been infected with the West Nile Virus (WNV).

She is the first LB human WNV case this year, only the second in 2005 in L.A. County.

"The woman sought medical care, but required no hospitalization and has resumed normal activity," said LB DHHS in a written release. Other details were not immediately available.

In 2004, LB had 16 human cases of WNV...with one fatality. "WNV remains a public health concern in Long Beach," said the agency. "Since March 2005, DHHS Vector Control, Surveillance and Abatement Program has confirmed WNV activity in dead birds, collected mosquito pools and chicken flocks. DHHS has increased the number of mosquito traps and the treatment of affected areas of Long Beach" that it is "continuing to monitor and treat public areas to prevent the spread of infection in the City.

In the release, LB's Public Health Officer, Dr. Darryl Sexton urged residents and business owners to protect themselves and their neighbors by following a few simple guidelines:

LB DHHS is requesting residents to cooperate by reporting dead birds by calling 1.877.WNV.BIRD. "If you have any questions regarding mosquito control and monitoring measures in the City of Long Beach, please feel free to contact the DHHS’ Vector Control Program at 562 570.4132 or go the DHHS’ website at www.longbeach.gov/health."

And to report standing curbside water that has been present for longer than two days, the agency says "call the Vector Control Program or the City of Long Beach Public Works Department at 562.570-2700."