County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov
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Who Should be Tested for WNV Medical providers should order WNV testing for all patients with aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis during late spring through November when WNV activity is high in Los Angeles County. Also consider testing patients who are experiencing a nonspecific illness compatible with WNV fever.  Testing Information Laboratory diagnosis is usually done by testing serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for WNV-specific IgM antibodies or viral detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These tests are available at many commercial and public health laboratories. Given immunological cross reactivity between WNV and Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLEV), serologic specimens positive for WNV and SLEV are routinely sent to VDRL for confirmatory testing of both viruses. Information on testing for SLEV is available HERE. In LA County from May to November, the DPH Public Health Laboratory (PHL) provides WNV-IgM serum antibody testing for suspect cases as well as for confirmation of ambiguous serum test results. WNV-IgM testing on CSF is available through the Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Laboratory (VRDL) at California Department of Public Health, and can be arranged through PHL. Additional serological and molecular testing for WNV is available at VRDL. PHL does not charge the submitter for these services. Testing at PHL from December to April requires consultation with the ACDC program (213-240-7941). A standard laboratory submittal form must be completed and accompany the specimen(s). Each specimen must be labeled with the patient name and a second identifier (date of birth or medical record number), date of collection, and specimen type. Include a copy of previous test results and any pertinent patient history with the specimen including onset date. Send specimens by courier or overnight shipper using the appropriate transport conditions for the specimen type. Ship packages Monday-Thursday to avoid weekend deliveries. Frozen specimens should be shipped on dry ice.  **Note regarding negative WNV-IgM:
Reporting Human WNV and SLEV infections are reportable in California. Reporting of cases guides the DPH and the LAC mosquito abatement districts to target mosquito abatement services, surveillance activities and health education. The California Code of Regulations, section 2500, require providers to report all positive acute laboratory findings and clinical cases of WNV and SLEV infection to the patient’s local public health department within one working day. All cases of acute encephalitis and meningitis regardless of etiology are also reportable within one working day. A standard Confidential Morbidity Report (CMR) can be used to file a report; the CMR may be faxed to the DPH Morbidity Unit at (888) 397-3778. You may also report cases by telephone during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to (888) 397-3993. For cases among residents of the cities of Long Beach or Pasadena, please contact their local health departments. Information for Medical Providers and Infection Control Practitioners
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Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
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