Monterey Park, Calif. – The City of Monterey Park encourages residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families from mosquitos and prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. With recent rains, Los Angeles County has seen an increase in mosquito activity and the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed its first detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) this year in the City of Monterey Park from a mosquito sample collected on Sept. 6, 2023. There are no current active cases of WNV in humans in Monterey Park.
WNV is a mosquito-borne disease that is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito, but can be prevented with simple precautions. One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit mild to moderate symptoms that can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or a skin rash. Severe cases are rare but can lead to paralysis or even death. It’s important to note that there is currently no cure or human vaccine for WNV.
Public health agencies detect the endemic virus every year in Los Angeles County which is found naturally in city environments. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District uses routine traps to collect samples of mosquitoes that are then tested for mosquito-borne diseases. Dead birds, which can carry the virus, are also submitted for testing.
To help mitigate the risk of WNV transmission, residents are encouraged to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District recommends the following preventative measures:
- Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for over a week.
- Ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained.
- Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers weekly.
- Wear insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present.
- Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.
For more information regarding WNV, residents can visit the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District website and read the latest newsletter.
Media Contact
City Manager’s Office
626-307-1255
www.montereypark.ca.gov
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