New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: West Nile Virus

The first West Nile Virus positive mosquito sample of the year has been identified in Orange County

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Editor Posted in Disease, Fullerton, Health and Medical, Orange County, Orange County Vector Control District Leave a comment

Orange County’s first West Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples of the season were identified last week in Fullerton through routine trapping and testing by the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD).

NV positive mosquito samples have been identified in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside County this year.

St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) was detected in five mosquito pools in Riverside County last week for the first time in 2021.

One human case of WNV was reported two weeks ago from Los Angeles County.

No human infections of WNV or SLEV have been identified so far this season in Orange County.

West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, according to the CDC. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

You can reduce your risk of WNV by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.

Garden Grove man the first to die of the West Nile Virus in the O.C. this year

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Editor Posted in Disease, Garden Grove, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County Vector Control District, Santa Ana Leave a comment

(Santa Ana, CA) – The first human death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Orange County has been confirmed this week by OC Health Care Agency officials. The case is an elderly male resident of Garden Grove who died with WNV infection complications.

Orange County has had 5 symptomatic WNV infections reported this year. Two had WNV neuroinvasive disease and three had WNV fever; of these, four were hospitalized. Because about 80% of people infected with WNV have no symptoms, and the majority of cases of West Nile fever do not seek medical care and are not tested, the reported case counts greatly underestimate the number of infected people in Orange County.

Symptoms of West Nile fever include fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. Anyone who develops the more serious symptoms of West Nile neuroinvasive disease such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or vision loss should seek medical care immediately. People over 50 years of age and those with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from West Nile virus infection.

It is especially important to take precautions against mosquito bites during West Nile virus season. Recommended precautions include:

Recommended WNV precautions include:

• Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed, including flower pots and pet bowls
• Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition
• Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535, always following label directions
• Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors

Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s website at www.ocvector.org. Other websites with helpful information about WNV include:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
• State of California www.westnile.ca.gov
• OC Health Care Agency www.ochealthinfo.com/wnv

West Nile Virus activity has been detected in Santa Ana

Posted on August 25, 2020 by Editor Posted in Disease, Insects, Orange County, Orange County Vector Control District, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes have been detected in Santa Ana.

The virus has also been confirmed in the following cities:

Anaheim
Buena Park
Cypress
Fullerton
Garden Grove
Huntington Beach
Irvine
La Habra
Los Alamitos
Orange
Seal Beach
Westminster

To learn more about West Nile virus visit: bit.ly/WNVinOC

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility. Orange County residents need to do their part to control mosquito breeding around their properties and prevent bites. Eliminating mosquito breeding sources is critical to preventing the spread of West Nile virus.

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

For more information on how you can help reduce the risk of WNV in your community, visit www.ocvector.org.

Mosquitos Dan Positivo al Virus del Nilo Occidental en Santa Ana

Los mosquitos con el virus del Nilo Occidental (WNV, por sus siglas en inglés) han sido descubierto en las siguientes ciudades del Condado de Orange:

Nuevas indicaciones de virus:
• Santa Ana

El virus ha sido confirmado en las siguientes ciudades:
• Anaheim
• Buena Park
• Cypress
• Fullerton
• Garden Grove
• Huntington Beach
• Irvine
• La Habra
• Los Alamitos
• Orange
• Seal Beach
• Westminster

Para obtener mas información sobre elvirus del Nilo Occidental, visite: www.ocvector.org/west-nile-virus

El control de mosquito es una responsabilidad compartida. Los residentes del Condado de Orange tienen que hacer su parte para controlar los mosquitos que se reproducen alrededor de sus propiedades y prevenir mordeduras.

La eliminación de las fuentes de reproducción de mosquitos es fundamental para prevenir la propagación del virus del Nilo Occidental.

Para prevenir las picaduras de mosquitos, tome medidas y sigue estas puntas:
• Tiré y vacié cualquier recipiente lleno de agua al menos una vez a la semana.
• Limpie y restriegue los baños para pájaros y los tazones de agua para mascotas semanalmente.
• Tire el agua de los platillos de plantas en macetas.

Visite www.ocvector.org para obtener más información sobre lo que pueda hacer para reducir el riesgo de WNV en su comunidad.

First human West Nile Virus infection of 2020 reported today

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Editor Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Orange County Vector Control District, Santa Ana Leave a comment

(Santa Ana, CA) – A child under the age of 18 years was diagnosed last week with West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, and was hospitalized but is recovering. This is the first human WNV infection identified in Orange County this season. As of Friday, the California Department of Public Health has reported 10 cases of human West Nile Virus infection statewide.

In 2019, there were seven reported human infections of WNV and one WNV-related death 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.

“West Nile Virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall,” said Dr. Clayton Chau, Acting County Health Officer. “The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.”

Recommended WNV precautions include:

West Nile Virus activity has already been identified in county mosquito populations this season. Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s website at www.ocvector.org. Other websites with helpful information about WNV include:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
• State of California www.westnile.ca.gov
• OC Health Care Agency www.ochealthinfo.com/wnv

First West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes confirmed in Orange County this year

Posted on July 9, 2020 by Editor Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Garden Grove, Irvine, Orange County, Orange County Vector Control District Leave a comment

Garden Grove, CA. The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD/District) has confirmed that mosquito samples in three cities have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These are the first samples to test positive in the county this year. The positive mosquitoes were collected on July 7, 2020 in Cypress at Cerritos Ave and Lexington Dr, in Anaheim at E. Sycamore St. and East St. and in Garden Grove at Garden Grove Blvd and Stafford St. The District has also confirmed that one dead bird with WNV was collected in Irvine.

“West Nile virus positive mosquito samples indicates that the virus is active in Orange County and there is an increased risk for residents to become infected with WNV through a mosquito bite.” Said Robert Cummings, Director of Scientific Services.

West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. There are no confirmed cases of human infections currently in Orange County.

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District staff will continue to conduct surveillance, inspections, and control measures for mosquitoes in the areas to prevent additional mosquito breeding. OCMVCD will post WNV advisory signs alerting residents of high WNV activity in the affected areas.

“It is essential for residents to do their part and take charge of their yard,” said Lora Young, Director of Communications. “The best way to protect yourself is by applying EPA-registered repellent, wearing long sleeved clothing and eliminating potential breeding sources around your property.”

To learn more about West Nile virus click here.

• 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

For more information on how you can help reduce the risk of WNV in your community, visit www.ocvector.org.

The West Nile Virus has claimed the life of a woman in Tustin

Posted on October 16, 2018 by Editor Posted in Disease, OC Health Care, Orange County, Tustin Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: Oct. 16, 2018

OC Health Care Agency Reports West Nile Virus Related Death

(Santa Ana, CA) – The first human death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Orange County has been confirmed by OC Health Care Agency officials. The case is an elderly female resident of Tustin who died with WNV infection complications.

It is especially important to take precautions against mosquito bites during WNV season. Recommended precautions include: Continue reading→

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

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Editor Posted in Environment, Orange County Vector Control District, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

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→

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

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Editor Posted in Disease, Insects, Orange County, Orange County Vector Control District, Santa Ana Leave a comment

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

Posted on July 10, 2018 by Editor Posted in Disease, Insects, Orange County, Orange County Vector Control District, Santa Ana Leave a comment

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→

The West Nile Virus is popping up all over Orange County

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Editor Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County, Orange County Vector Control District, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Advisory: West Nile virus Update from the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District

The number of adult mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in 2016 has more than doubled in the past week, bringing the total to 113 samples collected in 22 Orange County cities (see chart below). The findings are compounded by the announcement of the first human West Nile virus infection by the Orange County Health Care Agency on August 3rd, underscoring the importance of mosquito breeding and bite prevention. Continue reading→

The West Nile Virus is back – but don’t panic!

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Editor Posted in Disease, Environment, Health and Medical, Orange County Vector Control District, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District issued a panicky press release today as they have confirmed the first mosquito samples infected with West Nile virus (WNV) in the City of Santa Ana for 2016.

The mosquitoes were collected in a mosquito trap at Alona St. & 21st St., and on E. Chestnut Ave. Their teams will be posting the areas this week. They will also be sending crew members to alert residents to the detection of WNV and preventative measures residents can take to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes and WNV. Continue reading→

Orange County’s first West Nile Virus fatality this year reported in Buena Park

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Editor Posted in buena park, Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County Vector Control District, Public Safety Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: September 22, 2015

Contact: Deanne Thompson, dthompson@ochca.com, 714-834-2178

ORANGE COUNTY REPORTS WEST NILE VIRUS RELATED FATALITY

West Nile Virus Activity throughout the County is Increasing

(Santa Ana) – An 80 year-old Buena Park resident died last week with complications of West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Test results received this week confirmed the diagnosis. This is the first human death associated with WNV infection for this year’s season in Orange County.

““West Nile virus activity tends to peak in August and September in Orange County, but we continue to have cases occur throughout the fall,” said Dr. Eric G. Handler, County Health Officer. “Individuals can take precautionary measures to limit exposure to the West Nile virus. It is important for people to remember that the end of summer does not mean the end of West Nile virus season.” Continue reading→

It is time to take down the Orange County Vector Control District

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Editor Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County, Orange County Vector Control District, Politics, Santa Ana 8 Comments

OC Vector Control District Hacks

Just some of the hacks who serve on the Orange County Vector Control District’s Board of Trustees

From the OC Politics Blog

Is it time to fold the Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD) into the Orange County Health Care Agency? The OCVCD got caught this week trying to spray insecticides in several inner city neighborhoods of Santa Ana, after sending out a last minute press release last Friday about spraying that was at the time to take place on Monday.

I wrote a series of posts over at my New Santa Ana blog that exploded on Facebook, generating over 60,000 views and thousands of calls and emails to the many local politicians whose contact information appeared in my posts. By Monday the OCVCD was waving the white flag. They “suspended” the spraying due to the weather but the reality is that the backlash I generated, which I ended up calling “Mosquito Gate” made the spraying a total no-go.

Residents said they were unaware of the spraying and reacted online, with some calling the procedure a “toxic spray down.” Some residents questioned why only specific neighborhoods were targeted. Others who work in the early hours expressed concern of health effects associated with the scheduled early-morning spraying, according to the OC Register. Continue reading→

The O.C. Vector Control District surrenders and cancels plans to spray chemicals on our homes

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Editor Posted in Disease, Environment, Health and Medical, Michael Hearst, Orange County, Orange County Vector Control District, Politics, Santa Ana 6 Comments

Mike Hearst, OC Vector Control District Manager

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District has bowed to massive public pressure and canceled their plans to spray chemicals on our homes for the remainder of the 2015 mosquito season.

The same thing happened last year. In both cases there was bad weather that contributed to the Vector Control District’s downfall. But this time public pressure accelerated very quickly.

A Facebook group formed to rally those opposed to the spraying. That group quickly grew to over 2,800 members and in the process has become a new political force in Orange County. Continue reading→

The O.C. Vector Control District has canceled tonight’s aerial chemical spraying

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Editor Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County Vector Control District, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Orange County Vector Control District has canceled the chemical spraying they were going to start tonight, according to their Facebook page.

Here is the message they posted tonight: Continue reading→