For Immediate Release
Thursday, August 5, 2004

Contact: Pat Markley (714) 834-2178

Second Human West Nile Virus Infection Reported In Orange County

(Santa Ana) – The California Department of Health Services has confirmed that a 41 year-old Orange County man has contracted West Nile virus infection, the second locally acquired case of the virus.

Public Health officials say the man experienced the onset of symptoms of meningitis on July 24 and was hospitalized. The individual is now recovering.

“The second human case of West Nile Virus infection in Orange County is not cause for alarm but it is a significant reason to take precautions. More cases of WNV infection are expected this year, so it’s more important than ever that Orange County residents take a few simple steps to reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes,” said Dr. Horton.

Recommended precautions include:

• Eliminating any standing water from your property to reduce mosquito breeding

• Using insect repellent containing DEET, always following label directions

• Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition

• Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus (WNV) do not experience symptoms or become ill. However, anyone who develops symptoms such as a high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches or stiff neck should seek medical care immediately. Adults over 50 years of age are at increased risk of serious complications from WNV infection.

Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Vector Control District’s website at www.ocvcd.org. The public can report dead birds (crows, ravens, magpies, sparrows, jays) to the California Dept. of Health Services' toll-free hotline, 1-877-WNV-BIRD, or use the online reporting form on CDHS’ website www.westnile.ca.gov.

The Orange County Vector Control District stresses that WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes, not dead birds. Due to the outstanding response from the public, Orange County Vector Control District has prioritized areas from which they are accepting dead birds for testing and are unable to test them all. Callers from some areas may be asked to dispose of the birds themselves. No dead animal should be handled with bare hands. Dead birds can be disposed of by picking up the dead bird using an inverted plastic bag to protect the hand, pulling the plastic bag over the dead bird, sealing the bag, and putting it in the trash.

Other websites with helpful information about West Nile virus include:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.org

• State of California www.westnile.ca.gov

• Orange County Health Care Agency www.ochealthinfo.com

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