The West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in the United States in 1999. Since that time, the virus has been detected in humans, animals, and mosquitoes in 46 states from coast to coast. San Bernardino had the first cases of West Nile Virus in California this year. Since then cases have been reported throughout California. West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. Only certain species of mosquitoes carry the virus and very few mosquitoes are actually infected.

How can I protect myself?
There are several easy ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from West Nile Virus.

Apply insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) whenever you go outdoors. Even a short time sitting outdoors can be long enough to get a mosquito bite. Carefully follow the instructions on the repellent label.

When outdoors, wear loose fitting light-colored protective clothing that covers most of your skin, including socks, long pants and long-sleeve shirts.

Avoid spending time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active from May through October. They are especially active for the two hours after sunset.

Eliminate all standing water around your property. Clogged rain gutters, old tires, trash cans with no lids, flower pots, or a neglected or out-of-order swimming pool, hot tub, pond or fountain can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Basically anything that will hold water for more than seven days. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and even small puddles of water can support mosquito breeding.

Mosquito-proof your home so mosquitoes can't get inside. Make sure that windows and doors have tight-fitting screens with no holes or tears.

Gardena residents should report dead birds to the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services for testing. Evidence of the virus in dead birds is often the first indication that West Nile virus has been introduced into a new region. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds, and then transmit the virus to people. The West Nile virus toll-free hotline is (877) 747-2243. To report a dead bird via the Internet, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services website at http://lapublichealth.org/acd/VectorWestNile.htm

Report potholes or street problems with water accumulation located in the city of Gardena to the Public Works Department at (310) 217-9568.

What are the symptoms?
Most people who are infected with the West Nile Virus have no symptoms whatsoever. People over fifty (50) years old and those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to the virus. People who do become infected may experience mild to moderate flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, mild skin rash or swollen lymph glands. The time between the mosquito bite and the onset of illness, known as the incubation period, ranges from 3 to 14 days in humans. It is estimated that 1 in 150 people who are infected with the virus will require hospitalization. In a few cases, the disease will progress to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Currently there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection, and no approved human vaccine is available. Since it is a virus, it does not respond to antibiotics. If you believe you have virus symptoms, call you doctor.