Los Angeles Vector Control

by Lorine Parks

“Downey, are you ready for summer?”  This warning call alerted us to the danger of the West Nile flu virus. The Los Angeles County Vector Control sent us a speaker who explained that the flu may attack Downey residents soon.  One bird found dead in Downey last season was identified as having the flu.

“What’s the Big Deal?”  West Nile flu is a neurological disease that has been proven fatal to humans.  Normally it affects birds and spreads bird to bird, but it now has been shown to spread bird to human, via the West Nile mosquito.

Attacking the brain, West Nile flu has symptoms of fever and excruciatingly painful ague, which can develop rapidly into paralysis and death within five days.  If the victim does not die, there is a long rehabilitation period of over six months, which can leave motor and intellectual skills impaired.

It is the Public Health Department’s responsibility to warn citizen of this danger.   In its title “Los Angeles Public Vector Control,” the word vector means any animal or insect transmitting disease or becoming a public health nuisance (Midges also come under that latter category).

The bite of the West Nile mosquito has caused more deaths than snake bites   and shark attacks combined.  How to prevent the bite?  The best way is to eradicate this mosquito.  It breeds prolifically, and is known as an “opportunistic breeder.”  That means that while it likes any standing water, it  will breed if it finds a space as small as an upturned bottle cap.  West Nile mosquitoes may breed in a dew drop or on leaves in the unevaporated spray from a garden hose.

The West Nile mosquito is endemic, that is, it is here to stay.  Its flu-like symptoms may appear in any one but it especially prevails in children, infants and the elderly: anyone whose immune system is weakened.

Living in an official Drought Area, as Californians do, increases the risk.  The coming summer heat and the artificial irrigation methods here will enhance breeding conditions. 

Take care not to be outdoors at dawn or dusk, as this is the time the insect prefers to venture out to prey.  Hikers in brush and mountainous areas are at risk, so they are warned to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Warning: there is no vaccine.  The diagnosis can only be made by a blood test.

These are also aggressive daytime biters.  They will breed in a space as small as a bottle cap, and they can also carry dengue fever and chokunguya. 

In 2013 in Los Angeles County there were 417 samples reported, 312 dead birds and 165 human cases.  In Downey there were 7 samples and one dead bird whose death was identified as due to West Nile flu.

What is being done?  Truck-mounted larvacide is being sprayed in the country, aiming especially at gutters and golf courses.  You should dump and redrain water, and report any breeding sites, and any dead birds.  Dead bird reports are especially helpful.  If you have ornamental ponds, stock them with guppies.   Guppies feast on the mosquito larva.