Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD) has received confirmation of the first Orange County resident to test positive for West Nile virus in 2013. The victim is a resident of Cypress, where the first mosquitoes also tested positive for the disease this year.
Mosquitoes were collected on May 22, and were confirmed positive on May 30. OCVCD routinely tests groups of adult female mosquitoes (mosquito pools) and dead birds for the presence of West Nile virus.
In 2013, four dead birds collected from the cities of Brea, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and Seal Beach, and two mosquito samples tested positive for the virus.
“West Nile virus is now endemic to Orange County and will continue to impact the health and well-being of our residents. It is only through vigilant detection and suppression of mosquito breeding sources by both vector control officials and community members, that we can keep disease transmission to the lowest level possible,” stated Director of Scientific Technical Services, Robert Cummings.
District Manager, Michael Hearst said “Orange County Vector Control District is reporting fewer than normal West Nile virus positives this year. This reduction should not be seen as an invitation to relax, but rather serve as reminder that our diligent control efforts help suppress disease transmission. We remind residents to continue their property inspections and maintenance during years with lower virus transmission in order to reduce the severity of future outbreaks.”
While conducting mosquito surveillance and collecting dead birds is a good way to track the virus in the county, finding mosquito-breeding sources is much more important. OCVCD urges the public to conduct routine property inspections for mosquito-breeding sources. Look for any standing water around the house or neighborhood, and remove the water source or contact OCVCD to inspect/treat the source. Remember that mosquitoes can complete their life cycle in just one week in a water source as small as a bottle cap.
If you find a dead bird, call OCVCD as soon as possible. A district representative will collect all viable birds and submit them for testing.
Orange County 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 Vector Control District to report dead birds or neglected pools by calling 714-971-2421 or 949-654-2421 or visit them online at www.ocvcd.org.
