West Nile Virus Found in Mosquito Pools in the Area

Five mosquito pools near the Los Alamitos Race Track tested positive for the West Nile Virus recently.

While the cool summer weather has made for a light year for the West Nile Virus infections, mosquito pools and five dead crows have recently tested positive for the virus in the north Orange County. The Presence of the virus seem to be concentrated in North Orange County and South Los Angeles County areas, said Jared Dever, director of communications for the Orange County Vector Control District.

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, Dever said.

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 or paralysis.

The Center for Disease Control offers these tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• 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.