DEADLY VIRUS FOUND IN SAN GABRIEL VALLEY.

Byline: Troy Anderson Staff Writer

Evidence of the deadly West Nile virus has been confirmed in a dead crow in the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County health and vector control district officials said Monday.

The potentially deadly virus previously has been detected in mosquitoes in Imperial and Riverside counties, but no people have contracted the virus in the state.

``We expected to see evidence of the virus make an appearance here, so this does not come as a surprise,'' said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of public health. ``This reinforces the need for residents to take preventive measures to reduce their possible exposure to the virus.''

Nationwide, 2,267 West Nile cases have been reported this year as of Sept. 4, and 43 people have died.

Last year, the county recorded its first case of the virus - and the state's only case - without finding evidence in animal or mosquito populations despite an extensive surveillance system.

``Last month we alerted emergency room physicians throughout the county that the virus was found in a neighboring county and they should consider West Nile virus as a diagnosis for appropriate symptoms,'' said Dr. Rachel Civen, director of the county's Vector-borne Disease Unit. ``We also reminded them of the risk factors and preventive measures to review with their patients.''

The virus is spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito is infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. The virus cannot be spread by person-to-person contact or directly from birds to humans.

Fewer than one out of 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito become severely ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In most cases people who are infected never become sick or have only very mild symptoms for a few days. The virus can in rare cases cause encephalitis and death. The elderly are most at risk for severe cases of the disease. There is no specific treatment for the virus.

In a serious case, an individual may be hospitalized to ensure good supportive care.

The Department of Health Services has a hotline for residents to call when they find a recently dead bird: 1-877-747-2243. For updated information on the West Nile virus within the county, call 1-800-975-4448 or visit www.ladhs.org.

To reduce exposure to the virus, health officials suggest residents follow the precautions recommended for all mosquito-borne diseases:

--Avoid mosquito-infested areas at dawn and dusk.

--Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

--Use insect repellent products with no more than 35 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 percent for children.

--Ensure your window screens do not have holes.

--Do not allow water to stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, trash, swimming pools, birdbaths or pet bowls.

--Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; drain water from pool covers.

--Stock garden ponds with goldfish or mosquito fish. They eat the mosquito eggs and larvae.

--Empty and wash birdbaths and wading pools weekly.

Troy Anderson, [phone]

troy.anderson(at)dailynews.com