June
6, 2008,
2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
Foreclosures are increasing West Nile
virus dangers because of stagnant swimming pools
behind abandoned homes. The foul pools are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can pass West Nile to humans and horses. The spike in mosquitoes comes earlier than the usual summertime appearance of the pest.
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District got 288 service requests last month, nearly double the 145 in May 2007.
Agency spokeswoman Truc Dever said "all of the evidence is pointing to a very active West Nile season."
The tiny Gambusia affinis, a tiny fish that devours mosquito larvae, are put in stagnant pools to help eliminate the threat.
Source - www.cbs2.com
