Health Care Agency Reports Second West Nile Virus Related Death in Orange County
For
Immediate Release: August 28, 2008
Contact: Deanne Thompson (714) 834-2178
(Santa Ana) -
Testing by
the Health Care Agency has confirmed the second West Nile Virus
(WNV) related death of an Orange County resident this year.
The victim
was a 64 year old male resident of Garden Grove who died in
August after being hospitalized. As of August 28, the total
number of confirmed symptomatic cases of WNV infection in Orange
County is 32, and 4 blood donors have tested positive for the
virus. This is the highest number of WNV infections in the
County since 2004, the first year that human cases were
reported, when there were 62 symptomatic cases and 2 positive
blood donors for the full year. Four WNV related deaths were
reported in Orange County in 2004.
County Health
officials say there may be several reasons for this increase in
WNV activity, including environmental factors affecting the
virus and human behavior. “We are very concerned about the
level of West Nile virus activity in Orange County. Adding to
our concern is the number of people who will celebrate the Labor
Day holiday weekend by spending time outdoors, where they may be
exposed to mosquitoes”, said Dr. Eric G. Handler, County Health
Officer. “With the holiday weekend approaching and children
heading back to school and participating in outdoor sports, it
is important to remember that by taking personal precautions,
each of us can make a difference in the fight against West Nile
virus. The public must take an active role in protecting
themselves and their families from mosquito bites.
Recommended WNV precautions include:
-
Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535, always following label directions
-
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
-
Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
-
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
While people over 50 years of age are at increased risk of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, the more serious form of West Nile Virus infection, there have been several cases reported this year in individuals under age 50.
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 experience symptoms 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:
# # # |
