Dead Birds and Mosquito Samples with West Nile Virus Found in Valley This Week

West Nile Virus tests have come back positive for many San Fernando Valley communities this week.

The sprinkling of recent rain coupled with the high heat and humidity this week makes it even more of a breeding ground for mosquitos that may carry the virus, according to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD).

The county agency is encouraging residents to check around their house to find still or standing water, or rainwater that gathered in containers that should be spilled out.

"The recent rain and expected hot temperatures are perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes that are capable of transmitting West Nile virus," says Levy Sun, public information officer at GLACVCD. "Luckily, residents can eliminate potential threats and bites by dumping standing water in their yards."

City or Community / Zip Code(s) / Number of WNV+ mosquito samples 

Burbank               91505        1

Encino                 91436         3

Granada Hills        91344        1

North Hills          91406, 91343        3

Sherman Oaks    91403           1

Van Nuys          91406             1

City or Community/ Zip Code(s) / # of WNV+ dead bird(s)

Valley Village          91607           1

Van Nuys              91401            1

So far this year, the District has reported a total of 104 positive mosquito samples and 16 dead birds. 

Residents can be vigilant against the threat of West Nile virus in their neighborhoods by following these simple steps to prevent mosquito breeding and guard against mosquito bites:

• Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week.
• Change the water in pet dishes and birdbaths weekly.
• Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained and report neglected pools in your neighborhood.
• Request FREE mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas, and ponds.
• Wear insect repellent containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 when outdoors where mosquitoes are present.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.  There is no cure for West Nile virus. In 2012, 174 human cases of WNV were reported in Los Angeles County, the second highest count documented since 2004. Of those who showed symptoms, 85 percent required hospitalization and 4 percent were fatal. 

The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts because birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus. To reach the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), call their toll-free hotline at

1-877-WNV BIRD or visit them on-line at www.westnile.ca.gov.

Also see:

* Do You Think You Have West Nile Virus? 

For more information, contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at(562) 944-9656 or visit www.glacvcd.org. For media inquiries, please contact GLACVCD Public Information Officer Levy Sun at (562) 325-3271.