SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA – Orange County vector control inspectors took special care Tuesday to examine mosquito populations in a Santa Ana neighborhood where some insect samples tested positive for West Nile virus.
According to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District, West Nile-positive mosquitoes were found in an area bordering Garden Grove Boulevard, the Santa Ana River, Trask Avenue and Fairview Street.
County inspectors plan to “visit the area to check for known mosquito breeding sites and attempt to identify unknown breeding sites,” the city said in a statement.
The virus is generally spread when a female mosquito bites an infected bird. She becomes a vector and can transmit the disease if the insect bites a human. Most infected people do not develop symptoms, but some may experience fever, headache and body aches. In rare cases, hospitalization or death can occur.
Mosquito season in Southern California generally runs from May to October. To reduce exposure to mosquitoes carrying WNV, experts recommend that residents:
- Spend as little time outdoors as possible at dawn or dusk, as mosquitoes are usually active at this time.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when engaging in outdoor activities in areas with a high risk of mosquitoes.
- Use insect repellent.
- Make sure door and window screens are properly installed to keep insects out.
- Eliminate standing water, except for pools that have been properly treated with chemicals.
Residents can find further information here.
