DEAD CROW INFECTED WITH WEST NILE VIRUS.Byline: Troy Anderson Staff Writer The West Nile virus West Nile virus, microorganism and the infection resulting from it, which typically produces no symptoms or a flulike condition. The virus is a flavivirus and is related to a number of viruses that cause encephalitis. has been detected in a dead crow found in Van Nuys, the first case of the potentially deadly disease in the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. . ``Although this is the first reported infected bird and possible indication of the West Nile virus transmission in the San Fernando Valley by mosquitoes, it is not the only indication of the (virus) in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. County,'' said Jack Hazelrigg, district manager of the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control Vector control is any method to limit or eradicate the vectors of vector born diseases, for which the pathogen (e.g. virusor parasite) is transmitted by a vector which can be mammals, birds or arthropods, especially insects, and more specifically mosquitoes. District. Twenty dead birds that tested positive for the virus have been reported since Oct. 3 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino San Bernardino, city, United States San Bernardino (săn bûr'nədē`nō), city (1990 pop. 164,164), seat of San Bernardino co., S Calif., at the foot of the San Bernardino Mts.; inc. 1854. , San Diego San Diego (săn dēā`gō), city (1990 pop. 1,110,549), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay; inc. 1850. San Diego includes the unincorporated communities of La Jolla and Spring Valley. Coronado is across the bay. and Orange counties. ``There is no reason for alarm,'' Hazelrigg said. ``Despite infected-bird findings, we are making every effort to control mosquitoes and keep the disease from infecting people and domestic animals residing in the Valley and other areas serviced by the district.'' In California, the virus was first detected in mosquitoes in August near the Salton Sea. The first locally acquired human case in the state this year was reported Oct. 17 in Riverside County, and a second person was infected recently in Imperial County. No human cases have been reported in Los Angeles County. Earlier this month, officials with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), agency of the U.S. Public Health Service since 1973, with headquarters in Atlanta; it was established in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center. said they think the mosquito-borne illness will hit the West Coast hard next year, particularly in California. The virus hit Colorado the hardest this year. The virus is spread by mosquitoes, which feed on the blood of infected birds and then pass it on to humans or other mammals. One indicator of the presence of the virus is a sudden increase in the number of dead birds. The virus is not spread by person-to-person contact. Health officials say the risk of acquiring the virus is low. Most people and animals that become infected with the virus show no symptoms, and most of those who become ill show only mild flulike symptoms. In less than 1 percent of infected individuals, the virus causes neurologic illness, including inflammation of the brain. People over the age of 50 and people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk. No vaccine exists for humans, but a vaccine is available for horses. Horse owners are advised to contact their veterinarians Veterinarians and veterinary surgeons (vets) are medical professionals who operate exclusively on animals. Well-known and notable veterinarians include:
Troy Anderson, (213) 974-8985 troy.anderson(at)dailynews.com |
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