City of Santa Ana, Downtown Orange County

Community Alert: West Nile Virus Prevention Tips

Orange County Vector Control has reported that five county residents have tested positive for West Nile Virus – some of which were found in Santa Ana. The City of Santa Ana is working closely with Orange County Vector Control to prevent West Nile Virus infection but the City needs your help.

Here is what you can do to lower your risks:

AVOID MOSQUITO BITES:

• Wear a repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR 3535.
• When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Please read and follow the directions on the repellent.
• Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Take extra care by using repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these hours.

MOSQUITO-PROOF YOUR HOME:

• Make sure all of the window and door screens on your house are in good repair.
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.
• Report neglected pools or standing water.
• Avoid overwatering lawns and washing vehicles. By preventing runoff and overwatering, residents will conserve and reduce the amount of water used and eliminate the water mosquitoes use for development.

IN THE COMMUNITY:

• Report dead birds to OC Vector Control. Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. To report a dead bird, contact Vector Control at (714) 971-2421.
• Clean Up

Mosquito breeding sites can be anywhere. Neighborhood clean-up days can be organized by civic or youth organizations to pick up containers from vacant lots and parks, and to encourage people to keep their yards free of standing water. Mosquitoes don’t care about fences, so it’s important to control breeding sites throughout the neighborhood.

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Be aware of the West Nile virus activity in your area and take action to protect yourself and your family.

For more information, please contact Santa Ana City Hall at (714) 647-5200.

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