(July 30, 2004, updated Aug. 2) -- LBReport.com has learned that multiple mosquito pools (groups of mosquitoes trapped and pooled together for testing) in an area of southern Lakewood near Old Lakewood Village have tested positive for the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus (WNV).
The area likely extends southward and eastward into ELB, because some of the area's mosquito activity is believed related to drains in the area.
One is a drain (partially open, partially covered) between Clark Ave. and Bellflower Blvd., one of several in the area, said Susanne Kluh, Vector Ecologist for the Greater L.A. County Vector Control District (GLACVCD).
[update] Ms. Kluh said another drain that has been a problem has been the "Eckleson drain," in the southern Lakewood area (just north of Del Amo Blvd.). The L.A. County Dept. of Public Works told LBReport.com that this drain is mostly underground and runs eastward from east of Bellflower Blvd. and then southward near Palo Verde Ave and eventually into the Los Cerritos channel.
Ms. Kluh said these drains and others in the area are being monitored and treated by GLACVCD, which handles mosquito abatement for the part of LB east of Lakewood Blvd. and north of PCH.
Ms. Kluh told LBReport.com that a general area of activity is "where part of LB sticks up into Lakewood" (i.e. Old Lakewood Village area) and then southward and eastward into ELB.
"We had multiple mosquito pools, all southern house mosquitoes, that tested positive for West Nile virus from traps in the area. Drains in the area have historically been problem sources that we monitor and treat accordingly," Ms. Kluh added.
She said the pooled mosquitoes were submitted for testing on July 14...and the test results arrived July 30.
As previously reported by LBReport.com, positive mosquito pools have previously been identified in the general vicinity of Heartwell Park near Woodruff Ave. and Carson St. and eastward past Palo Verde Ave. They've also been found near the Lakewood Golf Course. GLACVCD has posted WNV warning signs in Heartwell Park and El Dorado Park as well as Bolivar Park in Lakewood.
Ms. Kluh said that she and other GLACVCD staffers recently went to Heartwell Park (in the vicinity of its drain) after dark for about 45 minutes to monitor mosquitoes...and on that night there was only one. "We're glad the mosquito level was fairly low," Ms. Kluh said
Humans and birds become infected when bitten by a West Nile Virus infected mosquito. Crows and other corvids virtually all die; the sight of dead or dying crows is increasingly common in ELB.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says about 80% of people bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito show no symptoms...but about 1 in 5 develop flu like symptoms that in some cases last for weeks. Statistically, about 1 in 150 of those bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito develop encephalitis and meningitis from which some die. There is no cure, only supportive therapies.
As previously reported by LBReport.com, the L.A. County Dept. of Health Services reported 15 human cases of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus (WNV) as July 30...and LB's Dept. of Health and Human Services says none of them are in LB.
As previously reported by LBReport.com, West Nile Virus (WNV) has claimed the life of a 57-year old OC man, making him the first Californian to die from the mosquito-borne virus.
In a section titled "What you need to know," the CDC web site (as of July 29/04, direct link below) stated in pertinent part:
What Are the Symptoms of WNV?
WNV affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary.
- Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
- Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display symptoms which can include fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have been sick for several weeks.
- No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
- Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are WNV carriers that become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.
- Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.
- Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.
How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?
People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.
How Is WNV Infection Treated?
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.
What Should I Do if I Think I Have WNV?
Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this infection though they may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV.
What Is the Risk of Getting Sick from WNV?
People over 50 at higher risk to get sick. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.
Being outside means you're at risk. The more time you're outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either working or playing.
Risk through medical procedures is very low. All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.
Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV. The risk that WNV may present to a fetus or an infant infected through breastmilk is still being evaluated. Talk with your care provider is you have concerns.
What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
- When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Follow the directions on the package.
- Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours. Light-colored clothing can help you see mosquitoes that land on you.
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.