DOWNEY - Downey residents are being advised to avoid contact with mosquitoes after a sampling of mosquitoes collected in Downey tested positive for West Nile virus last week.The samples were taken from the 90241 zip code and tested positive for West Nile virus, described by the Centers for Disease Control as a "potentially serious illness" that flares up during the summer. With the finding, Downey is now one of 16 locations statewide to test positive for West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes this year. Last week, vector control officials said three dead birds found in Cerritos also were contaminated with West Nile virus. Officials with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District issued a list of recommendations to guard against mosquito bites, including: When possible, avoid activities between dusk and dawn because that's when mosquitoes are most active; Apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET and Picaridin; Eliminate standing water around the home because that's where mosquitoes breed; Maintain tight-fitting screens without tears on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home; Wear protective clothing like long-sleeve shirts and pants to keep mosquitoes from biting.

********** Published: July 7, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 12