For Immediate Release
April 27, 2006

Contact: Howard Sutter
 (714) 834-2178

April Showers bring…May Mosquitoes?

(Santa Ana) – April rains, followed by rapidly warming temperatures, may prove to be a dangerous combination for Orange County and all of Southern California when it comes to mosquitoes and West Nile virus (WNV).

“By this time last year, WNV positive mosquitoes had already been detected in Orange County,” said Acting Health Officer Dr. Hildy Meyers. “The extended rainy season and cooler than usual temperatures have kept mosquito counts low, but that may change quickly with the arrival of warmer weather.”

Human WNV cases in Orange County were down almost 74% to just 17 confirmed cases last year, from the peak of 64 cases in 2004. Statewide, WNV cases were up more than 12% in 2005 as Northern California experienced a significant increase in reported infections.

“West Nile virus is here to stay, and it is likely that human cases will occur every year,” said Dr. Meyers. “Because we are not able to predict in advance how severe each season will be, it is very important that Orange County residents begin taking action now to prevent mosquito bites.”

Recommended WNV precautions include:

• Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding
• Making sure your door and window 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

For more information about West Nile virus, visit the Health Care Agency website at www.ochealthinfo.com/epi/wnv.

# # #