West Nile Virus Update: Virus is active in Orange County
The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) would like to make residents aware, in portions of Northeastern Orange County, that mosquito and dead bird samples have tested positive for West Nile virus.
In 2014, Orange County reported the highest number of human infections of West Nile virus in the nation with 280, including nine deaths. OCMVCD uses more than 10 years of sampling data collected during routine monitoring and testing of mosquitoes, dead birds, and human infections to determine areas of greater risk throughout the county.
To date in 2015, OCMVCD confirmed West Nile virus-positive test results from the City of Anaheim, City of Cypress, City of Fullerton, City of Huntington Beach, City of Orange, City of San Juan Capistrano, City of Santa Ana, City of Tustin, and City of Yorba Linda. So far this year, OCMVCD has reported a total of 81 positive mosquito samples and ten dead birds. There are no reported human cases at this time. A total list of all positives can be found at www.ocvcd.org.
Mosquitoes acquire the virus when they feed on infected birds, and subsequently pass the virus along when they bite humans. There is no cure for West Nile virus.
Partnership to Protect Your Community:
All mosquitoes need standing water to complete their life cycle. Even though OCMVCD Inspectors are conducting investigations to find mosquito breeding in communities all over Orange County, standing water sources remain unidentified. These unidentified sources are maintaining mosquito populations and threaten your quality of life. We are asking for your help to find and eliminate hidden sources.
How You Can Help:
It takes just two minutes of your time to help prevent future outbreaks of West Nile virus. Simply inspect your property and dump or drain any water found, and take the necessary steps to prevent the source from refilling. In addition to common breeding sources, above and underground remnants of our agricultural past (standpipes, well heads, irrigation channels) may be present on your property and can breed mosquitoes. This easy practice is the most effective method of controlling mosquitoes. If you observe any standing water not on your property, alert OCMVCD. An inspector will be dispatched to catalogue and treat the source with mosquito control products.
Residents can take an active role in reducing the threat of West Nile virus by taking the following steps.
· Eliminate any standing water around your home.
· Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.
· Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and other small containers weekly.
· Request FREE mosquitofish for placement in ornamental ponds.
· 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.
714-971-2421 or 949-654-2421 or www.ocvcd.org
Address/Location
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 714-647-5400