BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
WEST NILE VIRUS INFORMATION
What does our Vector Control Program do to combat WNV?
Vector Control Specialists, in the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Environmental Health, work daily to protect public health and safety by providing vector control services and education to the citizens of Long Beach.
The Vector Control Specialists are extensively trained in mosquito abatement and control to eliminate problems associated with West Nile Virus. They must pass several State exams to obtain their licenses, and continue to take training to complete continuing education units to stay current in their field. Long Beach DHHS Vector Control Program is responsible for vector control services in the City of Long Beach with the exception of areas east of Lakewood Blvd (served by Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District) and a small area in the northwest section of Long Beach (served by Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District). See map on "Latest Activity" tab. Mosquito surveillance, abatement and control plays an important part in limiting the spread of the disease. Education and Outreach to the public is also an important component in battling WNV.
WNV affects the central nervous system. However, symptoms vary:
- Serious Symptoms in a Few People. Less than one percent (about 1 in 150 people) of individuals infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. WN virus infection can be fatal.
- Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent (about 1 in 5) of the people who become infected will display symptoms which can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms generally last for just a few days, although even previously healthy people have been sick for several weeks.
- No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms.
An infected mosquito can bite any animal, but not all animals will become sick. The disease most often affects birds but may occasionally cause disease in other animals.
Wild birds serve as the main source of virus for mosquitoes. Infection has been reported in more than 225 bird species. Although many birds that are infected with WNV will not appear ill, WNV infection can cause serious illness and death in some birds. The most severe illnesses are seen among the corvid birds which include crows, jays, ravens, and magpies.
Tree squirrels with West Nile virus can develop neurological symptoms such as uncoordinated movement, paralysis, shaking, or circling and may die.
Like people, most horses bitten by mosquitoes will not become sick with WNV. However, of those that do, clinical signs may include stumbling, circling, hind leg weakness, inability to stand, muscle tremors, and death. A vaccine to prevent West Nile virus is available for horses and horse-owners should consult with a veterinarian about WNV vaccine and other vaccines against mosquito-borne viruses, such as western equine encephalitis.
Dogs and cats can be exposed to WNV in the same way as humans. However, these animals are very resistant to WNV and rarely become ill. Concerned pet owners should consult with a veterinarian.
