A sample of mosquitoes was collected on March 18 in Sylmar where the infected pool was found. The confirmation reveals that the disease is circulating in the area earlier than usual. Last year, the first West Nile virus-positive mosquito confirmed by the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District was collected in May.
“This is a reminder that the mosquito season isn’t limited to just summer,” said Kelly Middleton, spokeswoman for the vector control district. “This year’s warm winter has likely contributed to early West Nile virus activity and may be indicative of increased risk in the Valley this summer. Our residents need to understand this and take actions now to reduce their risks.”
Vector control officials have said West Nile tends to pick up pace during drought years, because there are fewer sources of moving water and more stagnant ponds shared by both mosquitoes and birds. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito, health officials said. Flu-like symptoms can occur, and while most people have a low risk of serious illness, about 1 percent of those infected can develop serious neurologic illness. People who are 50 and over or who have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes and/or high blood pressure have the greatest risk of developing complications.
There were 29 West Nile virus-related deaths in California last year, the most since 2004, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.