More mosquitoes, one human test positive for West Nile Virus in Valley

From the Antelope Valley Press
October 7, 2020

LANCASTER — More mosquitoes collected from mosquito traps in Palmdale have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). 

One trap was located near 25th Street West and Avenue P-8. The other trap was located near 30th Street East and Avenue R. To date, there have been 13 West Nile positive mosquito samples for the 2020 mosquito season. 

Public Health also reported another human case of West Nile virus within District boundaries, which brings the local human West Nile virus count to seven cases.

The District would like to reinforce the importance of keeping the mosquito population low. The lower the mosquito abundance, the less opportunity there is to have an issue with mosquito-borne disease transmission. Brenna Bates-Grubb, community outreach specialist for the AVMVCD said that “There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus, so the best way to stay safe is through prevention of mosquito bites. Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home by eliminating sources of standing water at least weekly and wear mosquito repellent when outdoors.”

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