An Anaheim resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first case of infection by the mosquito-borne pathogen in Orange County reported this year, officials announced Wednesday, Aug. 5.
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Health officials urged residents to take precautions to avoid becoming infected with the virus, for which there is no vaccine.
“West Nile virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall,” Orange County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong said. “There have been multiple detections of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in Orange County, signaling that this could be an intense WNV season.”
Orange County Mosquito Vector and Control District officials said late last month the county was on track to have the largest number of West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes in recorded history this season. At that point, positive samples had been taken in more than a dozen cities, mostly in central and northern OC.
Avoiding mosquito bites is the best course of action and there are ways to minimize the insects’ presence. The OC Health Care Agency recommends emptying all standing water, which is where mosquitoes like to breed; keeping window and door screens intact; using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535.
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Dawn and dusk are active times for mosquitoes, so limiting outdoor activity at those times is recommended.
People are also advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
“Most people who become infected with WNV do not experience symptoms, but about 20% will develop fever and may have headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness and sometimes a skin rash,” officials stated. “More serious symptoms, such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, or paralysis, occur more rarely, but people who develop these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.”
Most at risk of serious complications are people over 50 and those with certain medical conditions, health officials added.
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Staff Writer Victoria Le contributed to this report.