Santa Clarita residents concerned that standing pools of water might harbor West Nile Virus-bearing mosquitoes or their larvae have “pretty much overwhelmed” the city’s Environmental Services Department as government agencies monitor and try to prevent the spread of the disease…     In Los Angeles County, 59 people have been infected with the virus, and two have died, officials said Wednesday.
    But in the Santa Clarita Valley, no mosquitoes infected with the virus have been found, said Russ Gable, operations supervisor for the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. One bird was determined to have the virus.
    Gable said traps are checked and insects tested for the disease weekly.
    Heather Merenda of Santa Clarita’s Environmental Services Department said the department received more than 100 reports of stagnant water spotted along curbs and gutters on Tuesday alone.
     Problem drains and curbs are repaired on a priority basis, and residents should continue reporting stagnant water, she said. But they can also take the matter into their own hands.
    “Take a broom and disturb the water once or twice a day,” Merenda said, “enough to disrupt the larvae, if there are mosquitoes.”
    On Wednesday, Merenda and a biologist surveyed the site near the Wiley Canyon Bridge where the 10th annual Santa Clarita River Rally will be held. They observed areas of standing water and reported them to authorities.
    Vector Control had released “substantial amounts” of mosquito fish into those pools, Merenda said.
    Meanwhile, a Health Department nurse was scheduled tell seniors how to reduce the chances of contracting West Nile Virus. The talk is set for Sept. 8 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center.
    While those over 50 are most at risk from the disease, community members of all ages are welcome to attend. The center, located at 22900 Market Street in Newhall, may be reached at 255-1588.
    “My belief is that seniors are at risk and need more information about the possible epidemic,” said Jackie Reibsamen the center’s health and wellness coordinator.
    Health officials emphasized that danger from the disease is slim for most individuals.
     “Fewer than one out of 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito get severely ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control,” said a county Health Department statement.
    Still, precautions should be taken, they said.
    People should apply insect repellent with DEET once a day when they plan to go outdoors, using the lowest concentration needed, the statement said.
    A 24 percent concentration offers an average of five hours of protection; 30 percent generally protects for more than five hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Public Health said children more than nine months old can use a DEET concentration of 30 percent.
    Residents may call the city of Santa Clarita at 286-4098 to report pools of water collecting at the curb or gutter and should continue reporting birds that have been dead for less than two days by calling 877-WNV-BIRD.