Due to tests that have come from mosquito traps that are posted throughout Los Angeles County, for breeding the West Nile virus.
It's not because of the Los Angeles River (as long as it continues to flow), and it's not because of stagnant lakes (there aren't any), but it could be caused by untreated and unfiltered pools that are not cleaned, or rain barrels that are kept by recycle-conscious environmentalists, or water fountains that aren't moving that has still water.
"People have been really receptive as I go through the neighborhood," said Crystal Brown, the public information officer of the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District who made door-to-door rounds in Studio City. "The people of Studio City have been very aware of the issue."
Saturday, teams of people (wearing blue shirts) will also canvas Sherman Oaks.
When necessary, the district will launch inspections and even help clean the still water with the help of mosquito-eating fish. (Careful, though, at least one family said if the nearby raccoons find out about the fish, they could eat them all and destroy the fountain.)
The incidents of West Nile virus is reaching potential epidemic concerns as far as tests in the area, and two people this season were diagnosed with the virus, which causes flu-like symptoms, chills and sometimes death. The California Department of Public Health discovered 10 human cases in Los Angeles County over the whole year.
"This is a situation that is not going to go away, we have to be careful of this situation on an ongoing capacity," Brown said. "West Nile virus is here to stay."
The green boxes in trees around the area should not be tampered with or touched, even if it is on your private property.
If there are puddles or pools contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at www.glacvcd.org or call (562) 944-9656.
(See the video above for more information from Brown.)
Also see:
