From CBS Los Angeles
June 6, 2022
West Nile virus has been confirmed in Los Angeles County for the first time this year, authorities said Monday.
The virus was detected in three dead crows collected in the North Hills area on May 26, according to the Los Angeles County Vector Control District. Mosquito samples had not tested positive for the virus in Los Angeles County yet.
“American crows can fly up to 40 miles each day from overnight roosting sites, so while there has not yet been virus activity detected in mosquito populations in Los Angeles County, this confirmation serves as an alert that mosquitos may soon become infected, and residents should take precautions,” Steve Vetrone, director of Scientific-Technical Services, said in a statement.
There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, which is usually transmitted via mosquito bite. Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or skin rash that can last for several days to months. One of 150 people will require hospitalization, and severe symptoms include coma, paralysis, and death, authorities said.