The number of adult mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus in 2016 has more than doubled in the past seven days, bringing the total to 113 samples collected in 22 Orange County cities.
For Los Alamitos, a total of three mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus. In the immediate surrounding communities of Cypress, La Palma, Garden Grove, and Anaheim the total number of positive samples found is 13. In Anaheim, at least one person has been infected with the virus.
For more information on surrounding areas see the map on page 12.
The number of adult mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus in 2016 has more than doubled in the past seven days, bringing the total to 113 samples collected in 22 Orange County cities.
For Los Alamitos, a total of three mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus. In the immediate surrounding communities of Cypress, La Palma, Garden Grove, and Anaheim the total number of positive samples found is 13. In Anaheim, at least one person has been infected with the virus.
For more information on surrounding areas see the map on page 12.
The findings are compounded by the announcement of the first human West Nile virus infection by the Orange County Health Care Agency on August 3, 2016, underscoring the importance of mosquito breeding and bite prevention.
“The Orange County and Mosquito and Vector Control District has significantly increased the number of mosquito control personnel, community outreach and education, and expanded our surveillance efforts throughout the County in 2016, but those enhancements are not enough to suppress virus transmission during peak mosquito breeding months. We need the assistance of every Orange County resident to help keep our communities free from vectors and vector-borne disease. A single stagnate water source can produce enough mosquitoes to potentially threaten the lives of an entire neighborhood, as mosquitoes can fly several miles in search of a blood meal.” stated Rick Howard, District Manager.
In areas where West Nile virus has been detected, District staff are posting signs and distributing flyers alerting residents to the detection of the virus, and preventative measures they can take to prevent becoming infected.
Additional staff has been allocated to canvass these areas to look for mosquito breeding sources, expand public education, and work with city officials to correct infrastructure issues.
Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District makes following recommendations to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:
• Eliminate any standing water around your house.
• Make sure all window and door screens on your house are in good repair.
• Wear a repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR 3535.
• Contact the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District to report dead birds or neglected pools at 714-971-2421 or 949-654-2421 or visit their website at www.ocvcd.org.