For Immediate Release
August 22, 2003

Contact: Health Care Agency – Howard Sutter
(714) 834-2178
Vector Control – Michael Hearst
(714) 971-2421

Approach of West Nile Virus Calls for Prevention

(Santa Ana) – The detection of West Nile virus in Imperial County means it is time for Orange County residents to take precautions that can reduce the risk of infection. While no locally-acquired human cases have been reported in California, there have already been more than 700 cases reported in the United States this year with at least 16 deaths.

“The arrival of West Nile Virus in Orange County is just a matter of time, so we must all take action to protect ourselves from mosquitoes that may carry the virus,” said Mark Horton, M.D., Orange County Health Officer. “Through prevention, we can reduce our risk of exposure to West Nile virus.”

People and animals, such as horses, most commonly contract West Nile virus (WNV) from the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV have no symptoms or only mild ones like fever, headache and body aches, but adults over 50 years of age face a higher risk of severe illness. “The chance of contracting WNV infection is very small, so there is no reason to seek medical treatment or testing for a mosquito bite,” said Dr. Horton. “People with the severe form of WNV infection have symptoms like severe headache, high fever, muscle weakness, confusion, stiff neck and nausea. These can be symptoms of encephalitis and are cause for seeking immediate medical care. I also want to encourage physicians to look for the signs and symptoms of WNV infection and report any suspected cases to Public Health Epidemiology.”

To help control mosquitoes and reduce mosquito bites, Orange County residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Eliminate standing water from around your home and property

• Use insect repellents containing DEET, always following label directions

• Limit outside activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active

• Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants when outside

• Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens.

Dr. Horton urged the public to play an active role in controlling mosquitoes. “While the Orange County Vector Control District is working hard to control mosquito breeding areas on public property, the responsibility for private property rests with the property owner or resident. Improperly maintained private swimming pools are one of the prime backyard mosquito breeding areas.”

Vector Control is also conducting active surveillance to detect the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes and birds. The public is encouraged to participate in this effort by bringing birds that have died recently, including crows, ravens and birds of prey, to the Vector Control District office in Garden Grove or to call their local animal control agency for pick-up of the bird. When collecting a dead bird, wear disposable gloves and place the specimen in a plastic bag. More information on reporting dead birds is available on the Vector Control Web site at www.ocvcd.org.

The only WNV vaccine currently available is for use with horses, and the best protection against WNV is afforded after a series of two vaccinations. Horse owners should consult their veterinarian about having their horses vaccinated or revaccinated.
More information about West Nile virus is available on a number of Web sites, including:

• Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

• State of California http://www.westnile.ca.gov/

• Orange County Health Care Agency http://www.ochealthinfo.com/epi/wnv

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