West Nile Virus Found in Dead Squirrel

A dead squirrel in Calabasas has tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to the Los Angeles County West Vector & Vector-Borne Disease Control District.

The squirrel was infected via a mosquito bite, the agency reported.

In 2011 so far, 99 separate Los Angeles County zip codes have recorded finding dead birds, dead squirrels and trapped adult mosquitoes that have tested positive for the virus.

A dead bird infected with West Nile was found in Calabasas in mid August.

Symptoms of West Nile virus:

People infected with WNV can experience a variety of symptoms that may include: no symptoms, West Nile Fever, or West Nile Neuroinvasive disease. Symptoms usually occur 2-15 days after infection.

Symptoms of West Nile Fever can include:
• Headaches (often severe migraines) • High fever • Tiredness and body aches • Occasionally, a skin rash and swollen lymph glands These symptoms may last from several days to several weeks.
Symptoms of West Nile Neuroinvasive disease can include:
• Severe Headache • High Fever • Stiff neck • Stupor
• Disorientation • Tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness • Paralysis • Coma: This form of the disease can lead to long lasting and permanent damage to the brain.

The Los Angeles County West Vector & Vector-Borne Disease Control District advises that residents can protect themselves from WNV by doing the following:

DEET - Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

DAWN AND DUSK - Mosquitoes that carry WNV bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent at this time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight- fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

DRAIN - Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flowerpots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls.

Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.

If you have an ornamental pond, use mosquito fish. You can make arrangements to pick up free mosquito fish at the District or report mosquito problems by calling 310-915-7370.

The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts. Dead birds should be reported to the toll-free hotline at 877-WNV BIRD or visit on-line at: www.westnile.ca.gov.

For mosquito problems and to pick up mosquito fish, call 310-915-7370.

For questions on West Nile Virus, please contact Robert Saviskas or the Los Angeles County West Vector & Vector-Borne Disease Control District at 310-915-7370 ext. 223.

Additional information about the Los Angeles County West Vector & Vector-Borne Disease Control District and West Nile virus can be obtained by visit: www.lawestvector.org.

A press release from the Los Angeles County West Vector & Vector-Borne Disease Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue was used in compiling this story.