West Nile virus makes early appearance

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

The standing water left behind by the wet winter weather is resulting in an earlier outbreak of West Nile virus throughout California.

As of last week, 32 dead birds in 19 of the state’s 58 counties, including L.A. County, tested positive for West Nile virus. Ventura County was not among the counties in the study.

The first human case of infection was reported last month in Los Angeles County. The man is recovering.

Officials from Ventura and Los Angeles counties are joining those in the rest of the state to address the situation. Additional money is being spent on hiring more technicians to investigate problems. The public is being asked for help in removing stagnant water sources and reporting potential problems.

"Now is the time to start thinking of prevention," said Jonathan E. Fielding, L.A. County director of public health. "Even if you haven’t observed mosquitoes in your area, the recent rains may have left standing water."

In Ventura County, there have already been 100 phone calls and complaints concerning standing water problems in January and February. Last year during the same time only nine such calls were received, according to William Stratton, manager of the county’s environmental health division.

The county is aware of more than 1,400 potential mosquito breeding sites throughout the county that are checked on a routine basis.

"We have full-time technicians out there every day, and when they do find places, they spray," said Ventura County Environmental Health Specialist Randy Smith.

Last year there were 829 human West Nile virus infections, including 27 deaths reported from 23 counties, according to a California Department of Health Services report. There were also 540 horses infected with the virus statewide; 229 of them died. Most of the cases involved unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated animals.

In Ventura County last year, there were two nonfatal human cases and 23 dead birds that tested positive for the virus. In L.A. County in 2004, there were 306 human cases, including 13 deaths.

"We do have more water standing around and new areas that have been established that have the potential to become mosquito breeding habitats," Smith said. "We also have a lot of flowing water that used to not flow, so that eliminates the potential for breeding."

Several different types of larvicides, including sprays, granules and briquettes, are used to destroy mosquito larvae. The mosquito fish, a small, guppy-like fish, is a top feeder in controlling mosquito problems in certain areas like ponds and abandoned swimming pools, added Smith. Ventura County will provide the fish at no charge. They cannot be used in wild or natural areas.

Last year the county spent about $567,000 on vector control, according to Stratton. This year’s budget is not yet set, but Stratton said the county has already spent $15,000 more than last year on larvicide.

Besides mosquitoes, the wet weather has brought an increase in other insects that may frighten people, added Smith. Large crane flies look like giant mosquitoes but are harmless. They are bad fliers that are attracted to light and may seem like they are coming at people, but they’re not. Fungus gnats that swarm during the day are also harmless.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit the website www.westnile.ca.gov. To report mosquito concerns in L.A. County, call (562) 944-9656 or (310) 915-7370, and to report dead birds call (877) 747-2243. In Ventura County call the mosquito hotline at (805) 658-4310. To request mosquito fish, call (805) 662-6582.

For information on vaccinating horses, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov or call the equine West Nile virus information line at (800) 268-7378.