West Nile Virus Discovered in Dead Crows in Costa Mesa
Over the last several months, West Nile Virus has been detected in dead crows tested by Orange County Vector control.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus that was discovered in Uganda in the 1930's. Scientists believe that the virus has been present in the US since early summer of 1999. West Nile cases occur primarily in late summer or early fall; however, in climates where temperatures are milder, WNV can be transmitted year-round.
Most commonly, people become infected by the bite of a mosquito infected with WNV. Mosquitos become infected when they feed on infected birds.
There are many things you can do to prevent outbreaks of WNV. Those include:
1. Eliminate standing water in which mosquitoes may breed.
2. Apply insect repellant sparingly to exposed skin. And effective repellant for adults will contain 35% DEET, with concentrations of 10% or less for children ages 2-12.
3. Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Please contact the Costa Mesa Police Department Animal Control Unit at 714 754-5252 to report a dead crow.
For further information on West Nile Virus and what you can do, please visit the Orange County Vector Control website:
http://www.ocvcd.org
Address/Location
Costa Mesa Police Department
99 Fair Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 714-754-5252