Aedes albopictus mosquito (Photo – James Gathany, CDC).
As the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District announced on June 21, 2023, that one case* of the West Nile virus was detected in Alhambra, residents of L.A. County are urged to take precautions.
By News Desk
West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
Residents are urged to do everything they can to help prevent those pesky mosquitoes from breeding by eliminating all standing water sources left outside, keeping swimming pools clean and by regularly checking for mosquito larvae in still water sources such as bird baths and ponds.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms to recognize if you got bitten? Symptoms can occur from 3 to 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito and can last 3 to 6 days.
People who experience mild symptoms usually get better without any medication after a few days. Symptoms of more severe illness caused by West Nile virus include:
- Sudden high fever (above 102 ° F)
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Feeling disoriented or confused
- Tremors or muscle twitching
More severe symptoms:
- Seizures
- Coma
- Weakness or partial paralysis
These symptoms may last several weeks. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms and you recently have been bitten by a mosquito.
Do not seek internet remedies!
Don’t be ill advised or misinformed by scouring the internet trying to find homemade or “natural” remedies. The internet is filled with misinformation. This is a disease that can cause serious damage and it is best caught early and treated by a medical professional.
Watch for signs of the infected area and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms. And most importantly, dress appropriately and take preventive measures.
*Azusa: 1 case (7/6/23), Covina: 17 cases (6/8/23).
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