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Vector control agency warns of dengue, West Nile risks and outlines local services
Summary
A representative from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District briefed the Hawaiian Gardens City Council on mosquito-borne disease risks, local surveillance and control programs, and how residents can report problems online.
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District told the Hawaiian Gardens City Council that dengue and West Nile virus remain risks and outlined the district's surveillance, control and education services for Hawaiian Gardens residents.
Caroline Gongora, public information coordinator for the district, told council members that in 2024 the district recorded about 140 travel-associated dengue cases and three locally acquired dengue cases within its jurisdiction. She said West Nile virus remains endemic and that the agency uses integrated vector management techniques combining surveillance, physical controls and outreach.
Gongora described operations the district runs year-round, including inspections of storm drains, flood-control channels, public and private pools, and other standing-water sources. She said the district conducted "over 820 inspections" in Hawaiian Gardens in 2024 and that the agency's cost is funded by property and special assessment taxes; the presenter quoted a current cost per single-family home of $18.97 annually.
The district described a pilot sterile insect technique (SIT) program in an area the presenter identified as the San Juan De Hunga area, in which male mosquitoes are sterilized with X-rays and released to reduce future mosquito populations. The district also noted it sends samples to UC Davis for disease testing and works with state agencies on dead-bird testing as an early warning for West Nile virus.
Gongora said residents can report mosquito problems at the district website, GLAMosquito.org, or by phone; reports of green swimming pools can be made anonymously and the operations team will follow up. She advised simple resident actions to prevent breeding: remove standing water, cover or overturn containers, and use EPA-recommended repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
Why it matters: The presentation highlighted local public-health surveillance and a range of response options available to residents and staff as mosquito season begins. The district also said it hires seasonal staff and students for summer work in operations.
Council members did not vote on the presentation but thanked the district and noted the agency's role assisting fire-impacted properties where pools and vacant lots can become mosquito sources.
