Heads-Up: Two West Nile Infected Dead Birds Found In LB 90808; Ominous Early Discovery May Mean Especially Heavy Season

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Countdown Clocks

(Mar. 6, 2014, 12:40 p.m.) -- Two West Nile Virus-infected American crows have been found in East Long Beach zip code 90808, roughly two months earlier than in 2013 (when the first WNV-infected dead birds turned up in May) and may mean an especially active WNV season in the coming months.

LBREPORT.com has learned that the dead birds were found in 3200 block of Fanwood Ave. [but could have been infected anywhere; GLACVCD says WNV should be considered endemic to the area.]

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVD) says there have been only three other WNV infected dead birds found statewide to date (in northern CA's Santa Clara County.)

WNV is spread to people through the bite of a WNV-infected mosquito. "The exceptionally warm winter this year is a factor in the earlier-than-average virus activity," says Susanne Kluh, GLACVCD's Director of Scientific-Technical Services. "This shows that West Nile virus is endemic to our region. We can anticipate more activity as the season progresses."

GLACVCD says in a release it "will continue to monitor and control the area and throughout the District for increased mosquito activity. However, residents are urged to report any dead birds to westnile.ca.gov. Reporting dead birds help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts because birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus."

File photo from Wardlow Rd. just east of Bellflower Blvd., August 2013

[GLACVCD release text] Additionally, residents can do the following to protect themselves:
Report mosquito problems and sources to GLACVCD at 562-944-9656 or online at glacvcd.org.
Remove all dirty water sources around their homes.
If residents must be outdoors during dusk and dawn - when mosquitoes are most active - they should use insect repellent that contain EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or picaridin.

"Even the smallest of breeding sources can contribute to a large public health problem within the Greater Los Angeles County area," says Levy Sun, GLACVCD's Public Information Officer.

WNV has no cure; roughly one in five persons infected with WNV exhibit symptoms, which usually occur between five and 15 days and can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for several weeks to months. One in 150 people infected with the virus require hospitalization for severe symptoms including high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis, and possibly death. GLACVCD recommends that individuals exhibiting these symptoms following a mosquito bite consult a physician as soon as possible. Those at highest risk for severe cases of West Nile virus are the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

In 2004, an ELB woman in the neighborhood between the Skylinks Golf Course and Wardlow Park (an area near flood control and drainage channels) died from the bite of a WNV-infected mosquito. In Sept. 2012, a young East Long Beach man became infected and at the time was reported "recovering from the affects at home."

The GLACVCD handles mosquito abatement services East Long Beach east of Lakewood Blvd. and north of PCH. Roughly 2/3 of LB is handled by the LB Health Dept. (area generally south of PCH and west of Lakewood Blvd.) and part of NLB is handled by a Compton vector control agency.

Locations with dead crows is an indication WNV-infected mosquitoes may be in the area, but it isn't a perfect indicator. Dead crows (wherever found) may have been bitten miles away, then flew into the area where they sickened and died. Birds become infected with WNV through the bite of an infected mosquito; the birds may fly considerable distances, spreading the virus as the cycle continues.