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First human case of West Nile virus in Orange County confirmed, health officials say
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes.
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David McNew
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Topline:
The first human case of West Nile virus in Orange County this year has been detected, health officials announced Wednesday. The individual who tested positive is an Anaheim resident.
How it's transmitted: West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, which gets the virus from feeding on infected birds. Currently, there is no vaccine.
The symptoms: Most people who get infected will not experience symptoms. However, West Nile virus can lead to mild flu-like symptoms. Less than 1% of infected patients develop severe illness that affects the central nervous system. This typically manifests as meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid myelitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People over 65 or who have chronic health conditions — including cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure — are at higher risk. Those with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical care.
What health officials say: “West Nile virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall,” Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, the county's health officer, said in a statement. “There have been multiple detections of WNV positive mosquitoes in Orange County, signaling that this could be an intense WNV season.”
"[W]e are seeing an abundance of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in the northwestern area of Orange County, specifically Fullerton, Anaheim, Cypress, Buena Park and La Habra," added Brian Brannon, a spokesperson for the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
The backstory: The first human case of West Nile virus in California this year was detected in Long Beach in late June.
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How to protect yourself: The risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases increases during hot weather. Health officials recommend taking these precautions:
- Prevent mosquito bites by applying insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if spending time outdoors during dawn and dusk. WNV-carrying mosquitoes are most active during those times.
- Dump and drain standing water around home.
- Report dead birds to the California Department of Public Health online or by calling (877) 968-2473.
Go deeper: Mosquito season is here, in case your ankles haven't noticed. How humans are fighting back
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