California health officials issued a warning on Monday against West Nile virus which was detected in mosquitoes collected from two traps in Long Beach near Los Angeles.
In the warning, health officials urged residents to take precautions such as eliminating standing water that can attract the insects and using mosquito repellant.
The affected mosquitoes were collected as part of routine checks conducted by the Long Beach Health Department's Vector Control Program. Mosquitoes are collected weekly from traps that are set across the city.
Across California, West Nile virus in mosquitoes has been detected in 14 counties, including Los Angeles and Riverside. The virus was detected in dead birds in 20 counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego. A horse in Riverside County had to be euthanized due to the virus. Three human cases have been confirmed, in Tulare and Stanislaus counties.
Health officials urged residents to take precautions, including:
-- avoiding mosquito-infested areas;
-- eliminating standing water that attracts the insects;
-- wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active;
-- using mosquito repellant;
-- keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows;
-- maintaining clean swimming pools; and
-- limiting watering of lawns and outdoor plants to avoid runoff.
Symptoms of West Nile virus can include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headaches.
Source: Xinhua
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