First Two Human Cases of West Nile Virus in County Confirmed; Infected Birds in Cerritos Rises to 21

The first two human cases of West Nile virus in Los Angeles County this year were confirmed earlier this week, as the presence of virus infected birds in the city of Cerritos continues to climb. 

"The LA County Department of Public Health is handling the (human) cases," Crystal Brown, public information officer for the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District told Patch.

She said privacy issues prevented her from providing detailed information on where the two individuals were located, but said that that "the two men (who contracted the virus) are recovering."

Both patients are middle-aged men with pre-existing health conditions. They were hospitalized and are recovering, the county Department of Public Health confirmed.

According to the California Department of Public Health, there were eight confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in the state as of Monday, and the LA County cases bring that total to 10.

The West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is not spread through person-to-person contact, or directly from birds to humans. In most cases, people who are infected with the virus never become sick, or have only very mild symptoms that include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, and a mild skin rash.

Health officials have warned that that mosquitoes carrying the virus have been particularly active this year, and note that the growing presence of the virus in the state can be attributed to warm weather conditions.

“The level of West Nile virus detected in mosquito samples and dead birds in Los Angeles County this July is the highest it’s been since the last epidemic year in 2008,” said district Director of Scientific-Technical Services Susanne Kluh.  “We are urging residents to take notice of the elevated level of virus activity this summer and protect themselves.”

Numbers in Cerritos on the Rise

According to data released by the California Department of Public Health, there are have been a total of 21 infected dead birds found in Cerritos, yielding the highest numbers of cases for a city statewide. 

Four of the seven recently collected dead birds were American Crows, according to Brown. The birds were collected from the following Cerritos locations:

• the 4000 block of Snowbird Circle -- collected july 17
• 16000 block Cherry Fall Lane -- collectioned July 19
• 12000 block Glen Creek Road -- collected July 19
• 13000 block Bettencourt Street -- collected July 19

Information on the three other birds was not immediately available.

Last week Brown reported that two additional West Nile virus mosquito samples had also been identified in the city, bringing the total to seven samples in Cerritos this year. The samples were collected in following locations:

• 18000 block of San Gabriel Avenue -- collected July 27
• 19000 block of Kay Avenue -- collected July 27

"As we see dead birds, they tell us its (the WNV) is in area," Brown told Patch. "Finding mosquitoes testing positive, we know that is how the disease is transmitted. So in a way it can be more disconcerning because we know they're active in the area with the virus -- meaning there's a higher likelihood of human infection."

With the presence of the virus on the rise, vector control officials urge residents throughout LA County to take follow the 3 “D's” of West Nile virus prevention to protect themselves and their families.

The 3 “D’s” of West Nile Virus Prevention

• Dump/Drain: eliminate all standing water.
• Dusk/Dawn: avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
• Defend: use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors. Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.

For further information, visit the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District atwww.glacvcd.org or call (562) 944-9656. Additional West Nile virus information is available at www.westnile.ca.gov.