For Immediate Release
June 20, 2006

Contact: Deanne Thompson
 (714) 834-2178

West Nile Virus Is In Season

(Santa Ana) – The summer season is here, and mosquitoes and West Nile Virus (WNV) may not be far behind. Late spring rains and warm summer temperatures create the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes – increasing the possibility for human WNV infections.

Nine California counties have reported WNV activity in birds or mosquitoes during 2006, including Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside. While a human WNV infection has not yet been reported in California, experts say it could happen at any time. During 2004 and 2005, the first human WNV cases in Orange County occurred between mid-June and early July.

“West Nile virus is now a fact of life,” said Acting Health Officer Dr. Hildy Meyers. “Orange County residents need to make WNV prevention part of their normal routine.” People 50 years of age and older, and those with certain medical conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure, are at greater risk of severe complications from West Nile Virus infection.

Recommended WNV precautions include:

• Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding
• Making sure that 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.

# # #