For Immediate Release
August 1, 2006

Contact: Deanne Thompson
 (714) 834-2178

Detection of West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes is Reason for Precautions

(Santa Ana) – The detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes collected in Fullerton is a significant indication that Orange County residents should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

“West Nile Virus activity has now been detected in both birds and mosquitoes in Orange County this year, so human cases could be reported at any time,” said Dr. Hildy Meyers, Medical Director of Public Health Epidemiology and Assessment. “While WNV activity in Orange County is getting off to a later start this year, we all need to protect ourselves from WNV by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.”
Recommended WNV precautions include:

• Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed
• 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, 17 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus infection were reported in Orange County while statewide, 935 human WNV infections were reported.

WNV is transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus 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 severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, or vision loss should seek medical care immediately. People over 50 years of age or those with certain medical conditions 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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