West Nile Virus: infected mosquitoes, birds found in San Gabriel Valley. A recent sample of mosquitoes collected in Arcadia have been confirmed to be infected with West Nile Virus, prompting officials to emphasize prevention. There is no vaccine and no treatment.
A dead crow infected with West Nile Virus was found in Arcadia on September 3, and is the first confirmed finding of the virus in Los Angeles County this year. Exposure to West Nile Virus is spread to humans from the vite of an infected mosquito. Biting a bird that carries the virus infects a mosquito. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is encouraging the public to take precautions to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.
A rash of dead crows proves the presence of West Nile virus in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia and West Covina are the cities with the most documented cases.
West Nile Virus has been discovered in two samples of mosquitoes collected at Kahler Russell Park in Covina and at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia.
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District wants to control the West-Nile virus epidemic by sending Pasadena police helicopters over Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, Covina, Monrovia and West Covina. They identified 94 green pools and stagnant bodies of water yesterday. Owners will be ordered to clean them up or face a $1000 fine. Dirty swimming pools are the most significant source of mosquito breeding.
About 25 bird carcasses infected with the West Nile virus have been found in or near Arcadia. Dead crows found along the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers could indicate a major outbreak is on the way.
Officials estimate the infection rate of West Nile Virus is higher than what is currently known since health officials stopped testing dead birds where the virus is confirmed to be present. Arcadia and West Covina had high rates of infection among San Gabriel Valley communities.
Sales of mosquito repellant have increased in the San Gabriel Valley due to threat of West Nile Virus. The California Department of Health Services recommends applying insect repellant with Diethyl-m-toluamine (DEET).
In an effort to combat the spread of West Nile virus, technicians sprayed the 127-acre Arboretum with a pesticide called Scourge that kills adult mosquitos.
Article includes biographical information on Tony Walker, director of the West San Gabriel Valley Juvenile Diversion Project. The Project's work is also discussed.
A chart shows school enrollment numbers from 1998 to 2004. More than 40 percent of the public school districts in California are experiencing declining enrollment. Experts say it is due to a decline in the birth rate and families' migration patterns.
Tony Walker, new director of the West San Gabriel Valley Juvenile Diversion Project, is optimistic about the organization's work with juveniles. The program, whose service area includes Arcadia, deals with young, first-time offenders whose problems are still minor.