Orange County Confirms First Human West Nile
Virus Cases of 2007
For Immediate Release:
August 17, 2007
Contact:
Howard Sutter (714) 834-2178
(Santa Ana) -
A 30-year-old
resident of Anaheim and a 21-year-old resident of Fullerton have
tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming
the County’s first confirmed symptomatic human WNV cases in
2007, according to County Health Officer Dr. Eric G. Handler.
-
The
30-year-old man became ill mid-July with symptoms of West
Nile Fever. He was not hospitalized and is recovering at
home. He most likely acquired infection outside of Orange
County..
-
The
21-year-old woman first experienced symptoms of West Nile
Fever the last week of July. She was hospitalized for
treatment and is recovering at home.
An
asymptomatic WNV infection was reported earlier this year in a
blood donor who was identified through routine blood screening
at the time of donation.
This year in California, 110 people in 19 counties have been
reported with illness due to West Nile Virus and 5 WNV-related
fatalities have been reported. Last year, 7 confirmed human
cases of West Nile Virus infection were reported in Orange
County while statewide, 278 human WNV cases were reported with 7
WNV-related deaths.
“It is important
for the community to recognize that West Nile Virus is endemic
in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months
and continuing into the fall,” said Dr. Handler. “The best way
to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary
measures to avoid mosquito bites."
Recommended WNV precautions include:
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Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce areas
in which mosquitoes may breed
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Making sure your window and door screens are in good
condition
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Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of
lemon eucalyptus, always following label directions
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Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes
are most active
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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 the more serious symptoms of West Nile
Neuroinvasive Disease, 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:
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