The Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District (CCMAD) has been notified that a Compton resident has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This marks the first confirmed human case in Compton this year.

While this news is concerning, health experts emphasize that West Nile Virus cannot spread from person to person, and mosquitoes cannot become infected by biting an infected person.

District Response

Upon being notified of the positive case, CCMAD crews conducted three rounds of treatments in the area where the infection was identified. This response included ground-based spraying and other mosquito-control techniques designed to reduce adult mosquito populations and prevent additional virus transmission. The District continues to closely monitor mosquito activity and virus presence in surrounding neighborhoods.

How the Virus Spreads

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

• An infected mosquito bites a bird carrying the virus.

• The mosquito becomes infected and later bites a human or animal, transmitting the virus through its saliva.

Humans and other mammals are considered "dead-end hosts," meaning that they do not develop high enough levels of the virus in their blood to infect new mosquitoes.

Human-to-Human Transmission

A person infected with WNV cannot spread the virus to others, even if a mosquito bites them. The virus does not circulate in the bloodstream at levels high enough to infect mosquitoes or other people.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

1. Dump and Drain standing water around your property on a weekly basis (e.g., flowerpots, buckets, old tires).
2. Defend Yourself: Use EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
3. Report Dead Birds: This helps the State track the spread and activity of the virus. If you find a dead bird, report it by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD. 
4. Secure Screens: Make sure window and door screens are tight and free of holes.

CCMAD continues to conduct mosquito control and surveillance throughout the District to protect public health.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit the resources at westnile.ca.gov or LA County DPH. If you have questions or require immediate assistance, please don't hesitate to call us at (310) 933-5321.