For Immediate Release
July 29, 2005

Contact: Pat Markley
(714) 834-2178

Orange County’s First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2005 Confirmed

(Santa Ana) – A 35 year old Laguna Niguel woman has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection, becoming the first confirmed human WNV case in the county during 2005, according to County Health Officer Mark B. Horton, M.D.

The woman became ill during the first week in July. She was not hospitalized and is continuing to recover from the illness, which was consistent with West Nile Fever. It is not known exactly where the individual was exposed to West Nile virus, as she had traveled to other areas of California where the virus has been detected this year. At least 32 human cases of WNV infection have been reported in California this year.

“Based on last year’s experience, we may be moving into a peak period for West Nile virus cases in Orange County,” said County Health Officer Dr. Mark B. Horton. “We are pleased that this individual is recovering, but we are also very concerned that many more cases may occur in Orange County this summer. All Orange County residents should take a few simple precautions to prevent WNV infection, like emptying all standing water on their property to reduce the areas in which mosquitoes may breed.”

Other recommended precautions include:

• Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition
• Using insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, always following label directions
• Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors

Last year, 64 confirmed cases of West Nile virus infection were reported in Orange County, with four deaths attributed to the virus. In 2004, the first human case of West Nile infection in Orange County was confirmed on July 21st. Statewide, 830 WNV cases were reported in 2004, with 28 WNV-related deaths.

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus (WNV) do not experience symptoms or become seriously ill. Up to 20% of those infected with West Nile virus will experience symptoms of West Nile fever, which may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Anyone who develops more serious symptoms such as a high fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, or vision loss 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. Other websites with helpful information about West Nile virus include:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov 
• State of California www.westnile.ca.gov
• Orange County Health Care Agency www.ochealthinfo.com

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