Due to an abundance of standing water in places like stormdrains, abandoned swimming pools and the San Gabriel River, the city of Long Beach is faced with the possibility of danger from mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus, which in extreme cases causes sickness to humans if bitten and infected.
So of course, precautions should be taken to avoid falling victim to the virus, which is capable of causing flu-like symptoms that led to sickness in more than one dozen Long Beach residents in 2004, including one death.
Mainly, avoid areas with stagnant water, where mosquitoes can flourish and the virus spreads rapidly. The Long Beach Department of Health provides tips on preventing contraction, and urges residents to empty possible mosquito sanctuaries such as pet water bowls, birdbaths and tire swings.
Much has been made of the “outbreak” after infected insects were found in East Long Beach last week, and dead crows—found to be infected—began appearing, but don’t be scared by the menacing graphics and dramatic music. States across the nation from South Dakota and Wisconsin to Massachusetts and Texas have issued warnings about the virus. In Long Beach, there have been no reported cases of humans contracting the virus so far. The warnings from the Health Department are meant to educate and inform the public, not worry them.
“This is something that should be done every year,” says city epidemiologist John Holguin. “Of course it is serious, and that’s why we tell folks to take precautions, but these are the same precautions that we tell folks to take on a yearly basis.”
What about some reports that mosquitoes have infected birds such as crows and ravens, which fly around the city and could spread the virus to mosquitoes in new areas, possibly covering Long Beach with West Nile carrying insects?
“I wouldn’t say that there’s an epidemic.”
Since the beginning of the summer—West Nile’s busy period—three cases of human infection have been reported in the state of California. Two were infected in Stanislaus County and one in Tulare County, with no fatalities. The elderly are most at risk to develop symptoms when bitten, though Holguin says that at this point the situation is no different than in past summers that saw no sicknesses.
“Some [who have been bitten] may not have symptoms at all,” he says. “In most cases, a person that has been bitten by a mosquito won’t develop any symptoms, but when they do it could be mild to severe. Similar to the flu, and in very rare cases there could be severe disease.”
Holguin urges Long Beach residents to avoid being outside near dusk or dawn, and wear pants or long sleeves when they are, simply because the virus has been identified in the city.
“They need to take precautions to protect themselves from those mosquito bites,” he says. “Usually it’s avoiding mosquito-infested areas around dusk and dawn, and eliminating Stillwater sources around their homes.”
Read an interesting story from Medical News Today about WNV’s history and symptom details, and check the Health Department’s website for information about protection and prevention.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor