For Immediate Release
August 17, 2006

Contact: Deanne Thompson
 (714) 834-2178

Orange County Confirms First Human West Nile Virus Infection of 2006

(Santa Ana) – A 44-year-old South Orange County man has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming the County’s first confirmed human WNV infection in 2006.

The infection was identified through routine screening tests performed when the man donated blood earlier this month. Donated blood is routinely screened for WNV infection to ensure the safety of the blood supply. The man may have acquired the infection outside of Orange County. The Orange County Health Care Agency received confirmation of the test results on August 16.

“This year’s first human infection serves as an important reminder that West Nile Virus is here to stay and that we all must take steps to prevent mosquito bites,” says Dr. Eric G. Handler, County Health Officer. Last year, 17 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus infection were reported in Orange County while statewide, 935 human WNV infections were reported with 19 WNV-related deaths.

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

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 and 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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