West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes, and can cause serious, life-altering and even fatal disease. Don't let your guard down. Still keep insect repellent handy, wear long sleeves and long pants and get rid of mosquito breeding sites in the yard.

Just one mosquito bite can transmit West Nile virus or other diseases. To prevent illness from WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases, remember:

• Use Mosquito Repellent
• Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
  Potential mosquito sources in your home - Flower Pots and Mosquitoes
• Install or Repair Window and Door Screens
• Support Community-Based Mosquito Control Programs

To report a potential mosquito breeding situation, please call the Los Angeles County West Vector & Vector Borne Disease Control District at (310) 915-7370.

• Los Angeles County Department of Health West Nile Page
• California West Nile Virus Surveillance Information Center
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention West Nile Information

Flu: What's the difference?

SEASONAL FLU:  We've all had it.  It's the flu we catch from our family, friends and co-workers, usually during the fall.  It is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, spread when infected people sneeze or cough. Usually people get sick one to three days after they have been exposed.  About 36,000 Americans die every year from the flu.  Most people can prevent or reduce flu symptoms by getting an annual flu shot, washing their hands before eating or drinking, and staying away from others who are sick.

BIRD (AVIAN) FLU:  Many “bird flu” viruses occur naturally in wild birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds and in domestic poultry.  The bird flu in the news is caused by the "H5N1" influenza virus and is different because it is more deadly than some other bird flu viruses.  Infected birds can spread the virus through bodily fluids to other birds.  It can also spread to other animals including pigs, cats and very rarely to humans.  Many people who catch bird flu live or work closely with infected birds.

PANDEMIC FLU:  An epidemic caused by a new virus, for which people have no immunity,  spreads easily from person to person, and crosses international boundaries usually affecting a  large number of people is called a “pandemic.” Pandemics can spread rapidly around the world in only a few months. The current Bird Flu virus does not spread easily between people now, but it could change (mutate) into a form that spreads easily from person to person.  No vaccines are available now, because a vaccine cannot be developed until the human pandemic flu virus exists. 

A selection of information for your guidance on how to prepare for the possibility of an Avian Flu pandemic.

• Pandemic Flu Preparedness Brochures: Individuals and Families
• Pandemic Flu Preparedness Brochures: Business
• Avian Flu Fact Sheet Information from Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
• Checklist for Businesses
• Checklist for Individuals and Families
• Influenza Pandemic Guidelines From Los Angeles County
• Questions & Answers about Avian Flu

Links:

• United States Pandemic Flu Information Page
• World Health Organization (tracking human cases of H5N1)
• Food and Agriculture Organization (tracking bird cases of H5N1)