Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Discovered In Fountain Valley

SEAL BEACH, CA — As the holiday weekend approaches, the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) reminds residents to use mosquito repellent and remove standing water to prevent further spread of West Nile virus (WNV).

In 2017 to date, there are three confirmed deaths in southern California related to West Nile Vius, one of them in Los Angeles, according to official reports. In Orange County, 172 WNV-positive mosquito samples in 19 Orange County cities. A total of 23 dead birds have tested positive for WNV this year. Nine confirmed human cases have been reported.

Three have been confirmed to have died from West Nile, and a Los Angeles County resident is among them according to official reports. These are the state's first deaths this year due to West Nile virus, the state Department of Public Health announced Friday.

No details were released about any of the three patients, although the other two deaths were residents of Kern and San Bernardino counties.

"West Nile virus can cause a deadly infection in humans, and the elderly are particularly susceptible," State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith said. "August and September are peak periods of West Nile virus transmission in the state so we urge everyone to take every possible precaution to protect themselves against mosquito bites."

Symptoms of the virus -- which is transmitted by mosquito bites -- can include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headaches, but many people who are infected may not show any symptoms. About one in 150 people could develop more serious problems, such as brain inflammation or paralysis, health officials said.

As of Sept. 1, 2017 there were 87 human cases of West Nile virus in 13 counties across the state, including 12 in Los Angeles County and two in Orange County, according to the state.

In Orange County, the OC Vector Control has reported that mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have been detected in the following cities:

• Anaheim (27)
• Brea (6)
• Buena Park (12)
• Costa Mesa (3)
• Cypress (1)
• Fountain Valley (1)
• Fullerton (8)
• Garden Grove (5)
• Huntington Beach (1)
• La Habra (91)
• Lake Forest (1)
• La Palma (1)
• Orange (3)
• San Clemente (1)
• San Juan Capistrano (1)
• Santa Ana (5)
• Seal Beach (2)
• Westminster (2)
• Yorba Linda (2)

Human infections have been reported in:

• Anaheim (4)
• Buena Park (1)
• La Habra (3)
• Laguna Beach (1)

Mosquito season in Southern California generally spans the months of May to October. To reduce exposure to WNV, residents are urged to:

Additional tips for preventing mosquito bites:

• Wear loose-fitting long sleeves and long pants to reduce mosquito bites. Light colors and tighter weave fabrics are best.
• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend products with the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products as being safe and effective.
• Cover cribs, strollers, and baby carriers with mosquito netting for babies under 2 months, and use only EPA registered repellents on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3 years of age.

Avoid spending time outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

Residents can do a variety of things to help protect themselves and the community, and to help reduce the risk from mosquitoes this season:

• Drain standing water: Eliminate standing water around the home or office
• Install or repair screens: Keep mosquitoes out with tight fitting screens on all windows and doors
• Report any large breeding sites in your neighborhood to your vector control district:
  • Abandoned or neglected swimming pools
  • Accumulations of trash and containers capable of holding water

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