Orange County Confirms First Human
West Nile Virus Infections of 2008
For
Immediate Release: July 17, 2008
Contact: Deanne Thompson (714) 834-2178
(Santa Ana) - Two Central Orange County residents have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming the County’s first confirmed human WNV infections in 2008.
The infections were identified through routine screening tests performed when the men, who are 41 and 23 years old, recently donated blood. Donated blood is routinely screened for WNV infection to ensure the safety of the blood supply. The men did not develop symptoms of WNV disease and are considered to be asymptomatic blood donor infections.
“This year’s first human infections in Orange County serve as an important reminder that West Nile Virus is here to stay and that we all must take steps to prevent mosquito bites,” says Dr. Eric G. Handler, County Health Officer. Last year, 1 asymptomatic blood donor and 9 confirmed symptomatic cases of West Nile Virus infection were reported in Orange County while statewide, 380 human WNV infections were reported with 21 WNV-related deaths.
Recommended WNV precautions include:
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Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed
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Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition
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Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535, always following label directions
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Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
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Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not experience symptoms or become seriously ill. Up to 20% of those infected with West Nile Virus may experience symptoms which may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Anyone who develops more serious symptoms such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, or vision loss should seek medical care immediately. People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from WNV
infection.
Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Vector Control District’s website at
www.ocvcd.org. Other websites with helpful information about West Nile Virus include:
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