First West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes confirmed in Santa Ana

Garden Grove, Calif. – The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) has confirmed that mosquitoes collected in the City of Santa Ana have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These are the first samples to test positive in the Santa Ana this year. The positive mosquitoes were collected in an area bordered by Garden Grove Blvd., the Santa Ana River, Trask Ave., and Fairview St.

West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus when feeding on infected birds. At present, Orange County has not reported any human cases of West Nile virus.

“Mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus is an indication that the virus is circulating in the community. Santa Ana is historically a high-risk area for West Nile virus activity. Conditions across the region are favorable for sustained virus activity during the warm summer months,” said Amber Semrow, Director of Scientific and Technical Services.

OCMVCD staff will continue to conduct surveillance, inspections, and control measures for mosquitoes in the area to prevent additional mosquito breeding. OCMVCD will also post WNV advisory signs alerting residents of WNV activity in the affected area.

“The District is using an integrated vector management approach to monitor and reduce mosquitoes in the area. However, it’s essential that community members do their part to dump and drain standing water,” said OCMVCD Public Information Officer Brian Brannon. “Residents can also protect themselves and their families by using EPA-registered repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and spreading the word to friends and neighbors.”

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

• 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
• 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

For more information about prevention, visit www.ocvector.org.

About the District

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District is a special district and is one of over 100 agencies statewide specifically dedicated to protecting public health by controlling rats, flies, mosquitoes, Red Imported Fire Ants and other vector-related problems.

The District was formed in 1947, originally as the Orange County Mosquito Abatement District, in accordance with local authority provided by the Mosquito Abatement Act of 1915 and further supported by the California Health and Safety Codes. The District was responsible for protecting the growing population of Orange County from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. In 1975, the Orange County Board of Supervisors conducted an efficiency study that concluded that the District could effectively assume the responsibility for comprehensive vector control. Consequently, fly and rat control, formerly part of the Orange County Health Department, was transferred to the District. At that time the name of the District was changed to the Orange County Vector Control District.

In 2004, the District reestablished a Red Imported Fire Ant program after the State stopped funding the program they had established in 2000. In 2015 the name of the District was changed to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Operation of the District is overseen by a Board of Trustees comprised of 35 members, each appointed by their city of residence (34) with one member representing the County. Trustees are appointed for terms of two or four years.

The current budget approved by the Board of Trustees supports District activities in providing vector control services to County residents. Funding also supports education programs on vectors that are presented by staff at school and civic group meetings. The District also has printed material available to the public upon request that describes what citizens can do to keep their homes and property free of rats, flies, and mosquitoes, Red Imported Fire Ant, and pests that may be found around the yard and inside the home.