West Nile Virus Founds Its Way to Long Beach

LONG BEACH — West Nile Virus has been detected in two American Crows in East Long Beach, near El Dorado Park.

The birds were tested by the State Department of Public Health’s West Nile Virus Surveillance System, which monitors the disease in humans, horses, chickens, mosquitoes and dead birds.

This year, West Nile Virus activity has been detected in 20 counties in California, including West Nile Virus positive birds and mosquitoes in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. 

No human cases of West Nile Virus have been detected in Los Angeles or Orange Counties; however, one human West Nile Virus case was detected in Sacramento earlier this year. In 2012, 479 human West Nile Virus cases, including 20 deaths, were reported in California.  Long Beach had no West Nile Virus deaths in 2012, and only one human West Nile Virus case reported.

West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Signs and symptoms of West Nile Virus may include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headache.  Most people infected have no symptoms; approximately one in 150 may develop more serious disease, such as brain inflammation or paralysis.  Persons with these symptoms should seek immediate medical care.

The West Nile Virus infected birds were found in the section of the City served by the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District.The Long Beach Health Department has confirmed that Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District will be increasing surveillance and treatment of active mosquito breeding areas.  The Long Beach Health Department Vector Control Program, which serves the western portion of the City, will also be increasing surveillance and treatment services in response to this information.

Details: (562) 570-4132; www.westnile.ca.gov