Agricultural Research Service
Orange County health officials Wednesday reported the area’s first human case of West Nile virus this year.
An Anaheim woman in her 60s has been hospitalized since July and is in serious condition, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
“West Nile virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall,” said Dr. Eric Handler, the county’s health officer. “The best way to avoid West Nile virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.”
The first human case of West Nile virus in Los Angeles County for the 2016 season was reported on July 20. An “elderly” Echo Park man was hospitalized in late June and is recovering at home, health officials said.
In 2015, Orange County logged 97 reported human infections of WNV and eight WNV-related deaths, and Los Angeles County recorded 300 human infections, including 24 fatalities.
Cases are generally reported between July and October or early November.
The elderly and other people with weak immune systems are at highest risk of developing severe illnesses such as meningitis and encephalitis.
Symptoms may never materialize, but can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.
Mosquitoes typically become carriers of the virus after feeding on an infected bird and can then spread the potentially lethal strain to animals and humans.
To reduce exposure to West Nile virus, residents are urged to:
— limit outdoor activity at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are generally on the move;
— wear pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors;
— use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or products containing IR3535;
— ensure door and window screens are in good condition and fitted properly to keep bugs out; and
— get rid of standing water — aside from pools properly treated with chemicals — to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed, including flower pots and pet bowls.
Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Vector Control District’s website at www.ocvcd.org .
—City News Service