Magnolia Woods - Sherman Oaks Residents Association

West Nile Virus Information

Please pass it along...

Here is detailed information on West Nile virus to keep handy. A few days ago one of our neighbors on Norwich confirmed that two dead crows discovered near us just east
of Kester were infected with West Nile virus.

At the risk of causing alarm, the latest reports say 103 people have contracted
WNV this year in California, including 26 in Los Angeles County, and there have
been two death from the virus (in Orange and San Bernardino Counties).

West Nile virus is transmitted to pets and humans by infected mosquitoes. No
data suggests that West Nile virus can be acquired from handling dead birds,
nonetheless, do not touch carcasses with bare hands and keep your pets away.

Even though there were 10,000 cases and 260+ deaths reported nationwide last
year, less than one percent of people who become infected with WNV will become
seriously ill. However, the elderly, infants, and anyone whose immune system is
weakened are particularly vulnerable.

Instead of panicking, it is CRITICAL to the public health and safety that as
neighbors we:

- Look for stagnant water anywhere around your home and yard. This includes the
usual suspects like fountains, birdbaths, ponds with no fish, and pools (clean
and chlorinate swimming pools even if they are not in use, and keep pumps
working) but also smaller culprits such as the saucers underneath potted plants,
rain gutters that aren't draining completely, and any low spots or yard clutter
where water collects. If you need help tackling any of these problems, please
let us know. Your neighbors are here to help.

- Continue to pressure the city to fill potholes and repave the gutters in the
neighborhood. Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than four days.
To request street maintenance email BOSS@bss.lacity.org or call (213) 485-5691.

- Report any dead birds to authorities. To report dead birds, call the health
department's WNV hotline at (877) 968-2473 or (877) WNV-BIRD or use the online
form at http://www.westnile.ca.gov. Use gloves or a shovel to place the bird in
a trash bag for disposal if it is not picked up by 5 p.m. on the day you report
it.

- Keep pets flea-free just to be on the safe side. Fleas and ticks, like
mosquitos, feed on blood and there is reason to believe they may also transmit
WNV.


To protect your family's own health:

- Limit the time spent outside in the early morning and for two hours after
sunset when mosquitos are most active. Do not forget your outdoor pets.
Mosquitos find dogs and cats tasty too.

- Wear insect repellent spray when outdoors. Many contain the ingredient DEET,
however, parents should note that there is growing evidence that suggests that
DEET is unsafe for very young children (up to three years). Do not combine a
DEET product with sunscreen.

- Use citronella oil or citronella candles on patios and porches, yellow light
bulbs or other nontoxic methods to keep yard areas clear. Using yard pesticides
is not as effective as preventing them from biting you, and remember, pesticides
also kill insects that eat adult mosquitos and larvae and may actually increase
their population by killing their predators.

- Check window screens for holes large enough for insects to enter, and repair
them immediately. Again, your neighbors are willing to lend a hand if you need
it.

Other resources and valuable information:

Greater Los Angeles Vector Control Department
Wipe out West Nile
Center for Disease Control
Los Angeles County Department of Health