City officials are warning residents to take precautions against West Nile virus (WNV), which has resulted in 36 infections and two reported deaths through Aug. 28 – more cases so far than in any year since 2004, the Orange County Health Care Agency said this week.
People afflicted with the virus, which is largely transmitted through mosquitoes, may feel no symptoms at all. When it develops into a fever in severe cases, common symptoms include headache, fever, fatigue and body aches.
The virus is most prevalent from May to October, when mosquitoes are abundant.
In light of the alarming statistics, the Orange County Health Care Agency is urging all residents to take special care to avoid mosquito bites by remembering the “Five D’s” to defend against West Nile virus.
• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR 3535.
• Doors and windows should have “bug-tight” screens to help keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Drain standing water in your backyard and neighborhood. Old tires, flower pots and clogged rain gutters are mosquito-breeding sites.
• Dress in long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside. For extra protection, spray thin clothing with repellent.
• Dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, are the times of day to stay indoors.
Residents should also be aware of the importance of reporting dead birds, which can provide important information about WNV activity and is part of the overall WNV surveillance process.
Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD) may be able to collect dead birds if suitable for West Nile virus testing. If a dead bird is found and it appears to have died within the last 24 hours and is in good condition, carefully and without touching the bird, place the carcass in a plastic bag by inverting the bag over it, and put in a cool or shady place, then thoroughly wash your hands and contact OCVCD at 714-971-2421 x117.
For more information about other disposal options, call 714-971-2421 extension 117 or visit wnsurv@ocvcd.org.
Information about WNV is available at http://www.ochealthinfo.com/epi/wnv/index.htm.
For more information about insect repellents including which concentrations to use, visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/resources/08_118867_repellent_timeline_8%205X11.pdf.
