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Category Archives: Orange County Vector Control District

Muchos mosquitoes in Orange County!

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The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) is observing an increase in mosquito activity in urban and coastal areas of the County. This increase marks the sixth week in a row that OCMVCD has recorded higher than average counts. Mosquito collections at this time last year averaged 24 mosquitoes per trap. This year, however, the District’s traps have caught an average of 110 mosquitoes per trap, an increase that is nearly five times higher than last year’s numbers. As shown in the graph, this year’s mosquito counts are double the County’s 5-year average.

“High mosquito abundance is one factor that increases the risk for West Nile virus (WNV) transmission when virus activity is present. However, OCMVCD currently has not detected any WNV in our surveillance program,” says Robert Cummings, Director of Scientific Services.

Three surrounding counties (Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego) have detected West Nile virus in their mosquito samples. This early season virus activity in the region is concerning when coupled with high mosquito abundance.

Based on the high mosquito population in areas of Orange County, the District has implemented additional outreach to residents and will continue to identify and treat any water sources that result in mosquito breeding. It is essential for all residents in Orange County to be active in eliminating mosquito breeding in and around their properties to help reduce the number of adult mosquitoes.

Residents should take the following precautions to help reduce the chances of breeding mosquitoes:

• Dump and drain any containers filled with water at least once a week
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly
• Do not transport or share plant clippings rooted in water
• Drill a hole or puncture containers to eliminate standing water

To prevent mosquito bites, take action, and follow these tips:

• Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin before going outdoors
• Wear repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space; repair broken or damaged screens
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and opt for lighter-colored clothing

Mosquito control is a shared responsibly. Learn how you can take charge of your yard: www.ocvector.org

La Alta Abundancia de Mosquitos Causa Preocupación en el Condado de Orange

(NOTA: Este comunicado de prensa fue proveído por el Distrito de Control de Mosquitos y Vectores del Condado de Orange.)

El Distrito de Control de Mosquitos y Vectores del Condado de Orange (OCMVCD) está observando un aumento en la actividad de mosquitos en áreas urbanas y costeras del Condado. Este aumento marca la sexta semana consecutiva que OCMVCD ha registrado conteos más altos que el promedio mensual. El año pasado el número de mosquitos coleccionados en este tiempo tuvo un promedio de 24 mosquitos por trampa. Este año, las trampas del Distrito han atrapado un promedio de 110 mosquitos por trampa, un aumento que es casi cinco veces más que las cifras del año pasado. Como se muestra en el gráfico, el recuento de mosquitos de este año es doble el promedio de los últimos 5 años en el Condado.

“La alta abundancia de mosquitos es un factor que aumenta el riesgo de transmisión del virus del Nilo Occidental (West Nile Virus: WNV) cuando hay actividad viral. Sin embargo, OCMVCD actualmente no ha detectado WNV en nuestro programa de vigilancia,” dice Robert Cummings, Director de Servicios Científicos.

Tres condados circundantes (Los Angeles, Riverside y San Diego) han detectado el virus del Nilo Occidental en sus muestras representativas de mosquitos. Esta actividad del virus a principios de la temporada en la región es preocupante cuando se combina con una alta abundancia de mosquitos.

Basado en la alta población de mosquitos en las áreas del Condado de Orange, el Distrito ha implementado actividades de divulgación adicionales para los residentes y continuará identificando y tratando cualquier fuente de agua que resulte ser criadero de mosquitos. Es esencial que todos los residentes del Condado de Orange participen activamente en la eliminación de sitios de crianza de mosquitos dentro y alrededor de sus propiedades para ayudar a reducir la cantidad de mosquitos adultos.

Los residentes deben de tomar las siguientes precauciones para ayudar a reducir las posibilidades de criar mosquitos:

• Vacíe los contenedores llenos de agua al menos una vez a la semana.
• Limpie y friegue los baños de aves y cuencos de agua para mascotas semanalmente
• No transporte ni comparta recortes de plantas enraizados en agua.
• Taladre un hoyo o perfore los contenedores para eliminar agua estancada.

Es escencial prevenir las picaduras de mosquitos, OCMVCD ofrece los siguientes consejos:

• Apliques repelentes de mosquitos a la piel expuesta antes de salir al aire libre.
• Use repelente que contenga DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, o aceite de eucalipto de limón
• Cierre todas las puertas y ventanas sin mosquiteros para evitar que los mosquitos entren a su hogar o espacio; repare los mosquiteros rotos o dañados
• Use camisas de manga larga y pantalones largos, y opte por ropa de colores más claros.

El control de mosquitos es una responsabilidad compartida. Aprenda cómo tomar cargo de su propiedad: www.ocvector.org

Remove standing water to prevent mosquitoes and prevent disease

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Rain creates an opportunity for mosquitoes to thrive and breed in standing water. More rainfall generates more pools of water, which increases the number of mosquitoes. Just one small bottle cap of water can result in hundreds of mosquitos.

In order to prevent mosquito breeding, we ask everyone in the community to help in the fight against mosquitoes by eliminating their favorite places to breed and lay eggs. Please check your yard on a regular basis and remove any temporary pools of water.

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District offers the following tips to prevent mosquito breeding:

• Dump and drain any containers filled with water at least once a week.
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly.
• Dump water from potted plant saucers, cans, old tires, jars, buckets, barrels, tubs and tarps covering outdoor equipment.
• Do not transport or share plant stems rooted in water.
• Drill a hole or puncture containers to eliminate standing water.
• Do-it-yourself solutions for mosquito issues: www.ocvector.org/do-it-yourself-solutions-for-mosquito-issues

For additional information on mosquito prevention, visit https://ocvector.specialdistrict.org/where-to-look-and-what-to-do

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District has suspended all in-person consultations and property inspection appointments until further notice. However, residents can still submit a tip for out-of-service pools, ponds and large breeding sources here: www.ocvector.org/submit-a-tip

Elimine el Agua Estancada para Prevenir los Mosquitos

La lluvia crea una oportunidad para que los mosquitos prosperen y se reproduzcan en agua estancada. Más lluvia genera más charcos de agua estancada, lo que aumenta la cantidad de mosquitos. Con solo la cantidad de agua que cabe en la tapa de una botella de agua se pueden crear cientos de mosquitos.

Para evitar la cría de mosquitos, le pedimos que por favor revise los alrededores de su casa y elimine cualquier agua estancada.

El Distrito para el Control de los Mosquitos y Vectores del Condado de Orange (Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District) ofrece los siguientes consejos para prevenir la cría de mosquitos:
• Vacíe recipientes llenos de agua al menos una vez por semana.
• Limpie y friegue los baños de aves y el tazón de agua para mascotas semanalmente.
• Vacíe el agua de los platillos de plantas en macetas, llantas viejas, frascos, barriles, tinas, lonas que cubren equipos de exterior y cualquier otra cosa en donde se estanca el agua.
• No transporte ni comparta tallos de plantas enraizados en agua.
• Perfore un agujero o perfore los contenedores para eliminar el agua estancada.
• Soluciones de bricolaje para problemas de mosquitos: www.ocvector.org/do-it-yourself-solutions-for-mosquito-issues

Para obtener información adicional sobre la prevención de mosquitos, visite https://ocvector.specialdistrict.org/where-to-look-and-what-to-do

El Distrito para el Control de los Mosquitos y Vectores del Condado de Orange ha suspendido todas las consultas en persona y las citas de inspección de propiedades hasta nuevo aviso. Sin embargo, los residentes aún pueden enviar un consejo anónimo de piscinas que están fuera de servicio y estanques por medio del siguiente enlace: www.ocvector.org/submit-a-tip.

Mosquito spraying to take place in Santa Ana through Nov. 26

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The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District is conducting a residential truck-mounted adulticide operation from Friday, Nov. 22 through the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 26.

The work will be conducted over three days between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The operation address an elevated level of invasive Aedes mosquitoes and an increased risk of mosquito-borne disease in the neighborhood identified in the above map.

More information: http://www.ocvector.org/ground-based-adulticiding

First O.C. mosquitoes test positive for the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Health and Medical, Insects, Orange County Vector Control District, Westminster Leave a comment



Garden Grove, CA. The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) has confirmed the first mosquito samples to test positive for Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) in Anaheim and Westminster. The mosquitoes were collected from Old Bolsa Chica Road in Westminster and in the area of Dale Ave and Orange Ave in Anaheim. OCMVCD has not seen SLE positive mosquito samples in these areas since 1987. OMCVCD staff will conduct additional mosquito surveillance and canvass the area to look for additional mosquito breeding sources.

“This is the first detection in these areas in three decades. We are encouraging residents to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their families safe. The best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites is to discard any standing water around your home to eliminate potential breeding sources,” said OCMVCD Public Information Officer, Heather Hyland.

Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) is a viral disease spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with SLE virus have no apparent illness. Initial symptoms of those who become ill include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. Severe neuroinvasive disease (often involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) occurs more commonly in older adults. In rare cases, long-term disability or death can result. There are no vaccines to prevent nor medications to treat SLE. There are no confirmed cases of human infection at this time in Orange County.

Residents should take the following precautions to help reduce the chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes:
• Dump and drain any containers filled with water at least once a week
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly
• Dump water from potted plant saucers
• Do not transport or share plant stems rooted in water
• Drill a hole or puncture containers to eliminate standing water
To prevent mosquito bites, the District offers the following tips:
• Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin before going outdoors; reapply as recommended
• Wear repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space; repair broken or damaged screens
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and opt for lighter-colored clothing
Visit ocvector.org to learn more about what you can do to prevent mosquito breeding in and around your property.



Truck mounted mosquito spraying set for Sep. 14, 16 and 18 in Santa Ana

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The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) isreporting an elevated level of invasive Aedes mosquitoes and an increased risk of mosquito borne disease in areas of Santa Ana. A truck-mounted mosquito control application is scheduled for September 14, September 16 and September 18 from 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM to decrease the adult mosquito population and lower the risk of potential disease.

The applications will occur between Edinger to Occidental and from Lowell to Van Ness [see attached maps]. Application dates and times may change due to weather, environmental conditions or other operational needs. Residents can check the spraying schedule and determine whether their homes are located within the treatment area here.

Residents in treatment areas will be notified prior to the treatment date with door flyers left at their homes. All control products used by OCMVCD are registere d by the federal and state Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of controlling mosquitoes and protecting public health. The products are applied according to the label rate (less than 1 fluid ounce per acre) and are not harmful to people or pets, even if they are present during the application.

The application will also not harm the finishes on cars or homes. Residents do not have to turn off air-conditioning units during the application. These non-native and aggressive day-biting mosquitoes are black and white and lay their eggs along the waterline of containers as small as a bottle cap. The mosquitoes known as Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito), Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), and Aedes notoscriptus (Australian backyard mosquito) are capable of transmitting debilitating viruses including dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. While these viruses are not currently being transmitted locally, transmission could begin if someone infected abroad returns to Orange County and is bit by the invasive mosquito. These mosquitoes are also known to transmit dog heartworm to dogs and cats. Vector Control officials are urging residents to take the necessary precautions to reduce mosquito breeding and to avoid bites from these aggressive ankle-biters.
“Residents must do their part to check their yard regularly and eliminate standing water and water-holding containers” said Lora Young, Director of Communications.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents need to take an active role in removing water sources and sharing information with their neighbors to help in controlling mosquitoes.

Residents should take the following precautions to help reduce the chances of getting bitten
by mosquitoes:
• Dump and drain any containers filled with water at least once a week
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly
• Dump water from potted plant saucers
• Do not transport or share plant stems rooted in water
• Drill a hole or puncture containers to eliminate standing water
To prevent mosquito bites, the District offers the following tips:
• Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin before going outdoors; reapply as recommended
• Wear repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space; repair broken or damaged screens
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and opt for lighter-colored clothing
Visit ocvector.org to learn more about what you can do to prevent mosquito breeding in and around your property.

13001 Garden Grove Boulevard
Garden Grove, CA 92843-2102
Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District
Serving Orange County since 1947

First West Nile Virus mosquito sample detected in Santa Ana, adult mosquito control treatment scheduled

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The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District has confirmed the first mosquito sample infected with West Nile virus (WNV) in the City of Santa Ana.

The mosquitoes were collected in a routine mosquito trap located at Fairhaven Cemetery on August 12th.

Based on the WNV positive mosquito sample and the scheduled movie night that is being hosted on Saturday, August 17th at Fairhaven Cemetery, the District will be conducting adult mosquito control. The District’s current treatment criteria states that adult mosquito control is initiated when one mosquito sample tests positive for disease.

OCMVCD is scheduled to conduct adult mosquito control on the dates and times below:

Thursday, August 15, 2019 and Friday, August 16, 2019 – Approximate Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Treatment: Truck mounted application: AquaDuet™

For more information and to see the most up-to-date treatment schedule, visi t: https://www.ocvector.org/ground-based-adulticiding

First mosquitoes test positive for the West Nile Virus Activity in the O.C. this year

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Garden Grove, CA. The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) has confirmed the first mosquito sample to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in 2019. The mosquitoes were collected from the city of Orange at El Camino Real Park on July 30, 2019. The District has also confirmed 9 birds with West Nile virus in the cities of Cypress, Buena Park, Huntington Beach, and Tustin. There are no confirmed cases of human infections at this time in Orange County.

District staff will conduct additional mosquito trapping in the area around El Camino Real Park and distribute flyers alerting residents to the detection of the virus. Additional inspectors have been deployed to canvass the area to look for mosquito breeding sources and expand public education.

“The increased temperatures and humidity creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed, it is critical that residents take the necessary steps to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sources and prevent mosquito bites.” said Lora Young, OCMVCD’s Director of Communications.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of infected mosquitoes, which become infected when feeding on birds carrying the virus. Most individuals infected with WNV will not experience any illness. Others will have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache and body aches. In severe cases, people will need to be hospitalized, and in rare cases the disease can be fatal. Young children, the elderly, or individuals with lowered immune systems are at greater risk to experience severe symptoms when infected.

Since its introduction in 2003, WNV has infected more than 6,500 people and has caused 292 fatalities statewide, according to the California Department of Public Health. West Nile virus is endemic in California and in Orange County, and presents a risk to public health every year.

Follow the tips below to prevent mosquito bites:

  • Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin before going outdoors; reapply as recommended
  • Wear repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space; repair broken or damaged screens
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and opt for lighter-colored clothing

Around the home, eliminating breeding sources for mosquitoes is critical:

  • Dump and drain containers filled with water at least once a week
  • Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly
  • Dump water from potted plant saucers

Orange County residents are urged to report unusual numbers of mosquitoes to OCMVCD. For more information, please contact the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District at (714) 971- 2421 or (949) 654-2421, or visit www.ocvector.org.

Vector Control urges residents to join #MissionTipNToss to protect the community from mosquitoes

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While the recent rain may have helped bring the warm temperatures down, it also created small pools of standing water in backyards, turning them into mosquito breeding sources and possible public health threats to the community. In honor of the National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 23 – 29, 2019), the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) is launching the “#MissionTipNToss” campaign, urging residents to join the mission of tipping out water and tossing out unneeded containers to protect the community from the dangers of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses.

“The #MissionTipNToss campaign provides opportunities for vector control staff to interact and engage with the community while sharing the message of mosquito prevention,” said Mary-Joy Coburn, Public Information Officer for OCMVCD. “Mosquito and vector control is a shared responsibility. This is an opportunity for the residents to show us what they are doing to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

To kick off National Mosquito Control Awareness Week and the summer season:

The District is launching the #MissionTipNToss video challenge, urging residents to show how they tip out water and toss out unneeded containers from their home or workplace to help reduce mosquito production. The residents are also encouraged to nominate friends to do the same, all to raise awareness about mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District challenges the following agencies in the #MissionTipNToss Challenge: City of Anaheim, City of Garden Grove, City of Orange, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, and the Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control. Show us how you tip out standing water and toss out unneeded containers at home or in the workplace. You have one week to complete the challenge!

Individual challenges for the #MissionTipNToss Challenge are also underway. Here is a compilation of some videos already filmed. Residents are encouraged to inspect their backyards, eliminate any potential mosquito breeding sources, and nominate their friends to do the same. Be sure to use #MissionTipNToss so we can find your video.

  • The District is releasing a Public Service Announcement video about mosquito prevention in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese
  • The District’s social media pages will be highlighting mosquito prevention tips and tricks and awarding prizes to engaged participants
  • OCMVCD has partnered with local cities to post 50 bus shelters and billboards throughout the county this summer with the #MissionTipNToss message
  • 25 OCTA buses will be displaying the message on their routes throughout the county
  • 240 Interior bus cards in English and Spanish will be posted in OCTA buses

There are currently no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Orange County, however two dead birds collected from the City of Tustin indicated traces of West Nile virus. So far in the state, six counties show West Nile virus activity in dead birds and mosquito samples; no human cases have been reported.

Orange County is also home to invasive Aedes mosquitoes, which can transmit Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. There have been no local outbreaks of these viruses in the county, however the presence of Aedesmosquitoes increases the risk. These mosquitoes are now established in 28 cities and unincorporated areas around the county.

Follow the tips below to prevent mosquito bites:

  • Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin before going outdoors; reapply as recommended
  • Wear repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space, and repair broken or damaged screens
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and opt for lighter colored clothing

Around the home, eliminating breeding sources for mosquitoes is critical:

  • Dump and drain containers filled with water at least once a week
  • Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly
  • Dump water from potted plant saucers

Orange County residents are urged to report unusual numbers of mosquitoes, or day-biting mosquitoes, to OCMVCD. For more information, please contact the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District at (714) 971-2421 or (949) 654-2421, or visit www.ocvector.org.

OC Vector Control will be spraying chemicals in Santa Ana on Sep. 26 and 27

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A Message from the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD):

Based on mosquito trapping counts collected on September 18 and 20, OCMVCD staff has identified high mosquito abundance and West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in areas of Santa Ana and Orange. The District’s current treatment criteria states that adult mosquito control is initiated when 75 or more female mosquitoes are identified in a mosquito trap per trap night or when mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus, and all the areas have met one or both of this criteria.

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) will be conducting adult mosquito control applications via backpack and truck on the dates and times indicated below. Continue reading→

The O.C. Vector Control District will be spraying chemicals in Santa Ana this week

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A Message from the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD):

Based on mosquito trapping counts collected on September 5 and 7, OCMVCD staff has identified high mosquito abundance in areas of Huntington Beach, La Habra, Orange and Santa Ana. The District’s current treatment criteria states that adult mosquito control is initiated when 75 or more female mosquitoes are identified in a mosquito trap per trap night, and all the areas have exceeded the threshold. Continue reading→

The O.C. Vector Control District will be spraying chemicals in Santa Ana again this week

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The Orange County Vector Control District will be backpack spraying chemicals in Santa Ana again this Tuesday, August 21 and Wednesday, August 22, 2018, from approximately 4:15 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., at 21st and the Alona Catch Basins.

The chemical that will be sprayed will be DeltaGard®. Continue reading→

What we now know about the chemical sprayed in Santa Ana by the O.C. Vector Control District this week

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The Orange County Vector Control District is now saying that they did not conduct any aerial spraying of any chemicals in Santa Ana and surrounding cities yesterday. Well we never said they did! We pointed to their own Facebook page and website where they admitted to backpack spraying.

The OC Vector Control District is also claiming that the chemicals they used are water-based and odorless. Continue reading→

Santa Ana got sprayed with chemicals with zero advance warning

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Did you smell something awful in Santa Ana this evening? Turns out we got sprayed with poisonous chemicals with no advance notice – and we paid for it.

The Orange County Vector Control District admitted on their Facebook page that they conducted adult mosquito control applications via truck or backpack today in Huntington Beach, La Habra, Anaheim, Fullerton, Orange and Santa Ana. Notice that they did not spray any of the wealthy cities in south Orange County. Continue reading→

The first case of West Nile virus infection in Orange County has been reported, in Tustin

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County of Orange Reports First Human West Nile Virus Infection of 2018

(Santa Ana, CA) – A Tustin woman in her 70s was diagnosed this week with West Nile Virus (WNV) encephalitis. She is the first human WNV infection identified in Orange County, California this season.

In 2017, there were 38 reported human infections of WNV and 4 WNV-related deaths reported in Orange County. 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. 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. People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from WNV infection. Continue reading→

The West Nile virus has been detected in Orange County for the first time this year

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Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District

For Immediate Release: Monday, July 9, 2018

First Indication of West Nile Virus Activity in Orange County for 2018

Garden Grove, CA. The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) has confirmed the first mosquito sample to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in 2018. The mosquitoes were collected from the city of Garden Grove, near Garden Grove Blvd. and Newhope St. on July 3, 2018.

“Although we are hoping that this is going to be a mild season for West Nile virus, it is still critical that residents take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquitoes and mosquito bites.” said Robert Cummings, OCMVCD’s Director of Scientific Technical Services. Continue reading→