Number of Dead Birds Infected With West Nile Virus in Cerritos Now at Six

Officials from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) announced today that three more dead birds infected with the West Nile virus have been found in Cerritos, upping the total to six discoveries in the city this year alone.

Five of the six birds have been identified as American Crows and one bird was listed as an “unknown” species, Truc Dever, Director of Community Affairs for the GLACVCD, told Patch.

"They were all collected in June between June 8th and 22nd," Dever stated. "The location in Cerritos is the area north of Cerritos Towne Center."

More specifically, the cluster was found between Norwalk Boulevard and Shoemaker Avenue and the Golden State (5) and Artesia (91) freeways, she added.

. The dead crows were found on Beach Street near , and in a residential neighborhood on Glen Creek Road. The agency had been alerted to the birds by people living in the area.

Experts say Los Angeles County is quickly seeing an amplification in West Nile virus activity as summer temperatures continue to soar, prompting district staff to amp up mosquito control, surveillance, and public education activities in areas where increased virus activity has been confirmed.

There have been nine total positive mosquito samples confirmed within District boundaries this year to date, according to Dever.

With these growing numbers, district officials are urging residents to take note the posting of West Nile virus warning signs in these areas and take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Cerritos Issues Alert to Residents

In response to the recent discoveries, the City of Cerritos promptly issued an email alert advising residents of the following safety precautions:

Residents can follow the 3 “D's” of West Nile virus prevention to protect themselves and their families:

• 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.

The public is also encouraged to report dead birds and squirrels to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts. The California Department of Health Services’ toll-free hotline is (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473). Additional West Nile virus information is available at www.westnile.ca.gov.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is a mosquito-transmitted disease that can cause debilitating illness and death to humans, birds, horses and other wildlife. The virus is not spread through person-to-person contact, or directly from birds to humans.

There is no cure for West Nile virus and only one in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit mild symptoms that include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, and a mild skin rash.

Symptoms of West Nile virus could appear within three to 12 days after infection. Fewer than one in 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito become severely ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In these rare cases, the virus can cause encephalitis and death. The elderly are most at risk for severe cases of the disease. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. However, individuals with severe symptoms may be hospitalized.

GLACVCD recommends that individuals exhibiting these symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito consult a physician as soon as possible.