West Nile Virus Found in Culver City, PV

West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes collected at the South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The virus was also found in mosquitoes in Culver City on Sept. 10.

The virus, reported by the Los Angeles County West Vector & Vector-Borne Disease Control District to the city of Rolling Hills Estates last week, can cause flu-like symptoms in some people. Precautions can be taken by avoiding mosquitoes, which carry the disease.

The district advised residents to apply insect repellent especially during dawn and dusk, ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes, and eliminate sources of standing water such flower pots and pet bowls.

This year, the disease has been reported in 96 separate zip codes in L.A. County, from either dead birds, trapped adult mosquitoes, or sentinel chicken flocks, according to the district.

The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they first feed on birds that carry the virus. 

Symptoms of West Nile fever can include headaches, high fever and body aches. Symptoms of West Nile Neuroinvasive disease can include high fever, disorientation and muscle weakness. Symptoms usually occur two to 15 days after infection.