Apr 27, 2009 5:55 pm US/Pacific
Locusts Next? LA Mosquitos Test Poz For West Nile
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LOS ANGELES (CBS) ―
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Mosquitos in LA County have tested positive for the West Nile virus.
CBS
A few weeks ago, West Nile was discovered in the carcass of a crow in L.A. county. Now, for the first time in 2009, the sometime deadly West Nile virus has also been discovered in mosquitos.
Specifically, the mosquito was found in Carson, according to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.
The mosquito in question was included in a sample of insects collected from the 90745 Zip code area, said officials.
Eight other mosquitos have tested positive for West Nile statewide.
Health officials have already said 2009 promises to be an active year for the virus.
Residents are warned to eliminate standing water on their properties and to use insect repellants when outdoors.
An increase in foreclosed homes with pools is not helping the situation, say health officials.
In 2008, 445 Californians contracted West Nile with 15 of those cases being fatal.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
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