For the first time this year, a mosquito sample collected in South El Monte last week tested positive for West Nile virus, officials said.
Last week’s samples also found a single virus-infected sample of mosquitoes in Sherman Oaks for the first time this year, as well as two samples in Panorama , Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District officials said Friday in a written statement.
Infected samples were also found last week in Carson, Gardena, Harbor City and Wilmington, which have already seen positive samples this year, officials added. No birds killed by the virus were observed.
Early this month, vector control officials announced the discovery of infected mosquito samples in Montebello, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Downey, Cudahy, South Gate, Bellflower, Lakewood, Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Valley Glen and Glendale. Infected dead birds were reported in Arcadia, Covina, Carson, Gardena and Valley Village.
The increased West Nile activity, as well as warm weekend temperatures, have prompted health officials to advise the public to take precautions such as wearing mosquito repellent and getting rid of standing water, in which the insects breed.
Those who discover dead birds or squirrels are asked to report them by to the WNV Hotline at 877-968-2473, or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.
Mosquito problems can be reported to vector control officials by calling 626-814-9466. More information on West Nile virus is available at www.sgvmosquito.org.