Mosquito fish are available at the Vector Control Office, please call 562-570-4193 for more information.

Vector Control Navigation Vector Control Program Africanized Honey Bees Mosquitoes Red Fire Ants Rodents Contact Information Forms Related Links	1. General Information 2. Symptoms 3. Prevention and Control 4. Additional Links -Important Information Below- Current Map of West Nile Virus Activity in the City of Long Beach ***Click Below for West Nile Virus Public Service Announcement Video English Broadband 56K Modem Spanish Broadband 56K Modem West Nile Virus Facts and Tips Virus del Oeste de Nile Informacion
	General Information West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that has been found in parts of Asia, eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The virus was first detected in the United States in 1999 in New York City. The majority of people and animals infected with the virus have a mild illness or no symptoms. In rare cases, the virus can cause a more serious condition called ENCEPHALITIS, an inflammation of the brain. The elderly are at a higher risk for disease caused by West Nile virus activity. Of the 66 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in the eastern U.S. in 2001, nine died. The virus is expected to move further westward during 2002. West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals by certain species of mosquitoes, that acquire the infection by feeding on a bird. Very few mosquitoes are actually infected. Humans and horses are accidental hosts for the virus. Human-to-human transmission does not occur. The virus is most prevalent from May to October, during mosquito breeding season.
	Transmission cycle of West Nile Virus (Photo/California West Nile Virus Surveillance) Back to Top of Page Symptoms Most people who are infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. However, of those who become ill, symptoms can include: Fever Headache Nausea Body aches Mild skin rash Swollen lymph nodes In a few cases, the disease will progress to encephalitis - inflammation of the brain. The incubation period ranges from 5 to 15 days in humans. There is no specific treatment for infection with West Nile virus, although supportive care is important. Back to Top of Page
	Prevention and Control 1. Avoid outside activity at dawn and dusk during the mosquito season (May to October) 2. Wear long pants and long sleeves; apply insect repellant when outside 3. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes in them 4. Drain all standing water on private property and stock permanent ponds with fish that eat mosquito larvae 5. Make sure roof gutters drain properly
	Additional Links CDC West Nile Virus Home Page West Nile Virus: Avoid mosquito bites to avoid infection Links to State and Local Government Sites - CDC West Nile Virus Resource Guidelines for Surveillance, Prevention, and Control of West Nile Virus Greater Los Angeles Coutny Vector Control District California West Nile Virus Surveillance Back to Top of Page