The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, one of five vector control districts in Los Angeles County, on Monday confirmed the “first detection of West Nile virus activity in its service area,” according to a statement from Communications Director Anais Medina Diaz.

The virus was detected in a mosquito sample collected from a surveillance trap near Morgan Park in Baldwin Park.

“West Nile virus can be transmitted by the native Culex mosquito species which is most active at dusk and dawn,” wrote VCD Director of Scientific Programs Tristan Hallum.

Several factors contribute to mosquito populations and disease activity such as warm overnight temperatures and the bugs’ accessibility to stagnant or undisturbed pools of water.

One in five people infected with the virus will exhibit fever, headache, body aches, nausea or skin rash. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis and possibly death. Symptoms can last from days to months. There is no cure.

“One in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization,” the statement read. “Those at greatest risk include seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems. People over 50 years of age and those with chronic health problems are at higher risk of severe illness. While not all mosquitoes carry this virus, the type of mosquito that spreads this virus is found throughout Los Angeles County.”

West Nile virus is endemic to the region and is usually detected in summer.

“The District will continue monitoring disease activity and controlling mosquitoes in public spaces through routine inspections and necessary treatments, but residents should take precautions to protect their health,” Medina Diaz wrote.

Precautions include routinely removing stagnant water and using insect repellent containing CDC-recommended ingredients such as Picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535.

For more information, call (626) 814-9466 or visit sgvmosquito.org.