Mosquitoes collected in Anaheim and Garden Grove have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), marking the first confirmed cases in Orange County this year, according to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD).
A dead bird found in Garden Grove also tested positive.
The infected mosquitoes were found in four separate areas across the two cities, including neighborhoods near Euclid Avenue and the 5 Freeway in Anaheim, and near Brookhurst Street and Garden Grove Boulevard in Garden Grove.
“Multiple mosquito samples and a dead bird testing positive for West Nile virus indicate that the virus is circulating in the community,” said Amber Semrow, Director of Scientific and Technical Services at OCMVCD. “Anaheim and Garden Grove are historically high-risk areas for West Nile virus activity.”
No human cases have been reported in Orange County so far this year, but warm summer conditions are ideal for the mosquito’s virus transmission.
West Nile is spread to humans primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which get the virus from feeding on infected birds.
As of July 18, 680 mosquitoes and 51 dead birds have tested positive this year, according to California West Nile Virus. Three cases of infected humans have also been confirmed in Tulare, Stanislaus and Kings counties.
Orange County officials are increasing mosquito surveillance and control in affected areas and will be posting warning signs in neighborhoods where the virus was detected.
To prevent contact with the West Nile virus, the agency is urging residents to:
- Dump and drain containers with water weekly
- Pet water bowls and any bird baths should be cleaned often
- Make sure your repellent contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- All window screens should be fixed in order to stop the entry of mosquitoes into your home
- Wearing long sleeves during peak mosquito hours, typically around dawn and dusk.
“Dumping and draining standing water is the most effective and environmentally friendly way to rid mosquitoes from our communities,” said OCMVCD Public Information Officer Brian Brannon.
See here for more information and prevention tips.