Encephalitis Virus Found in Mosquitoes

The St. Louis encephalitis virus has again been discovered in mosquitoes in the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area in Encino, the county Department of Health Services announced Wednesday.

The potentially fatal virus has been discovered in mosquitoes or birds in the recreation area each summer since health officials began looking for it after a county epidemic in 1984, a health department spokeswoman said.

The virus, normally found in the wild bird population, is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have bitten affected birds, officials said.

In humans, the virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can range from a simple headache and fever to more severe manifestations, including paralysis, coma and even death.

Last year, there was one reported case of the disease, a Lancaster man who ultimately recovered.

Residents can help protect themselves from the virus by avoiding mosquito-infested areas, or by using insect repellents and wearing protective clothing such as shirts with long sleeves and high collars and long pants, officials said. Health officials urged residents to eliminate potential mosquito-breeding grounds, such as standing water in buckets, planters, old tires and other containers.