To prevent any potential incidents of West Nile Virus, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District is warning residents to eliminate any standing pools of water that may have collected after the recent storms, as these are prime areas for mosquito breeding.

As a result of above average rainfall collecting in local mosquito breeding areas, there is now an increased risk of outbreaks.

Although it is not contagious or spread person-to-person, humans and animals can contract the illness when they are bitten by mosquitoes that have previously bitten infected birds. Two crows in the San Fernando Valley have tested positive for the virus this year.

“We are encouraging residents of Santa Clarita to take preventative action to help control the spread of the West Nile Virus to our community,” said Travis Lange, Environmental Services Manager for the City.

Residents of the City of Santa Clarita are being asked to inspect their property and to drain or remove any areas of standing water. To prevent insect bites, residents should wear long sleeve shirts and pants outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and use insect repellent containing DEET.

Residents are also urged to avoid touching wild birds and to report any dead birds to the Department of Health Services at 1-877-WNV-BIRD or online, at www.westnile.ca.gov.

For more information, to report any mosquito problems, request free mosquito-eating fish for placement in areas such as unused swimming pools, spas, birdbaths, and ponds, or to request a free inspection, please contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at 1-562-944-9656 or online, at www.glacvcd.org.