Despite delay, West Nile spreading in San Fernando Valley

Mosquitoes collected from Reseda, Panorama City and Canyon Country tested positive Friday for the virus, said Crystal Brown, a spokeswoman for the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.

And recently, the disease was found in mosquitoes captured in Winnetka, Woodland Hills, Encino, Granada Hills and the Hansen Dam Recreational Area in Lake View Terrace.

In addition, dead birds found in Stevenson Ranch in March and June tested positive for the virus.

No human cases have been reported in Los Angeles County this year, according health officials, although two were reported in Kern County and one in San Bernardino County.

West Nile virus infects birds and can be transmitted by mosquito to humans. The elderly and those with weak immune systems are most at risk, and about one in 150 infected people will require hospitalization.

Victims of West Nile typically experience flu-like symptoms, although it can lead to potentially deadly complications such as encephalitis or meningitis.