West Nile Virus

The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts, as birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus.

To report a dead bird, call the California Department of Public Health's toll-free hotline at (877) WNV-BIRD or (877) 968-2473 or visit its West Nile virus website.

The District is advising residents to take extra precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

West Nile virus is here to stay and residents can protect themselves and their families by playing an active role in mosquito prevention:

• Inspect all areas around your home. Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week to break the mosquito life cycle.
• Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.
• Change the water in pet dishes and replace water in birdbaths weekly.
• Fix leaky faucets and sprinklers that may create puddles.
• Avoid over-watering your lawns and gardens to prevent excess run-off.
• Wear long sleeve shirts and pants outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Keep tight fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes.
• Pick up free mosquitofish from the Greater L.A. County Vector Control District for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas, and ponds to control mosquitoes.