West Nile Virus Detected Near Race Course

The year’s first evidence of West Nile Virus in Orange County was confirmed this week near the Los Alamitos Race Course, the same place that has tested positive for the mosquito-born illness in previous years.

The Orange County Vector Control District also confirmed the presence of the disease in an American crow collected in Santa Ana and mosquitoes gathered at the Los Alamitos Race Course.

There have been no cases reported this year in Orange County of humans infected with the virus, but the presence of the virus in the area should serve as reminder for residents to take precautions, warned the Orange County Public Health Department.

The virus is spread by mosquitoes to humans, birds and horses. Most people infected with the virus don’t experience any symptoms, according to the Center for Disease Control. Twenty percent of those infected will experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache and vomiting. And one in 150 people experience severe effects such as high fever, coma, paralysis or death.

This week, the first West Nile Virus human fatality was reported in the Sacramento area.

Residents are encouraged to take steps to reduce exposure to mosquito bites and to deprive them of a place to reproduce. Mosquitoes require standing water to develop.

Recommendations to reduce the potential for mosquito bites include:

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient.
• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flowerpots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in birdbaths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.