The City has been notified that the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control has confirmed the first mosquito sample to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in the City of Santa Fe Springs this year. The mosquitoes were collected in traps in the City on August 24^th. District staff will place posters around the trap locations to advise residents to take precautions when mosquitoes are present.

WNV is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for WNV. One in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. There is no human vaccine for WNV, and severe cases can lead to paralysis or even death.

Mosquito Prevention and Protection

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their neighborhoods by taking the following steps:

• 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 GLACVCD.

For more information regarding the West Nile virus and mosquito prevention, please click here.