West Nile Virus is spread to humans from a bite from an infected mosquito. Currently, there are no locally acquired cases of viruses, including West Nile, Chikungunya and Dengue fever, in Pasadena.
This is the time to take precautions.
It is recommended that we help prevent the breeding of mosquitoes by doing the following:
- Emptying all standing water in containers left outside.
- Keeping swimming pools clean.
- Regularly checking for mosquito larvae in still water sources such as bird baths and ponds.
Protecting ourselves
It is also essential to protect ourselves by taking precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Preventive measures include:
- Wearing repellants containing DEET.
- Avoiding areas likely to be inhabited by mosquitoes at dawn and dusk.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoor
Checking your window screen for holes.
Found a dead bird on your property or the street?
Report all dead birds and squirrels immediately to the West Nile Virus and Dead Bird Hotline at (877) 968-2473 or online.
Pasadena’s proactive role
To control the presence of mosquitoes, staff travel throughout the City at least once a week to treat gutters, puddles, pools, and other free-standing water sources water that serve as prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Additionally, for more than a decade, the Pasadena Public Health Department has collaborated with the Pasadena Police Department to use police helicopters to help look for stagnant pools and green water sources.
For more information on vector control, to receive free mosquito fish to prevent breeding, or to report a green pool or still water source, please call the Pasadena Public Health Department Environmental Health Division at (626) 744-6004.
Read more about the West Nile virus symptoms.
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