West Nile Virus Cases
Confirmed in Orange County
For
Immediate Release: July 18, 2008
Contact: Howard Sutter (714) 834-2178
(Santa Ana) - Testing has confirmed the first
two symptomatic West Nile Virus (WNV) cases in Orange County for
2008, bringing the total number of reported WNV human infections
this year to four.
The confirmed symptomatic cases are:
-
An 80-year-old Anaheim man who became ill
in early July with symptoms of West Nile Neuroinvasive
Disease and remains hospitalized, and
-
A 49-year-old central Orange County woman
who became ill in late June with symptoms of West Nile
Neuroinvasive Disease and remains hospitalized. This
infection may have been acquired during travel outside
Orange County.
Previously reported were two asymptomatic
blood donor WNV infections detected in Orange County.
“West Nile Virus season is underway, and we are very concerned
about the potential impact on people’s health,” said Dr. Eric G.
Handler, County Health Officer. “Because we can expect to see
additional WNV cases from now into late September or October,
Orange County residents should be taking precautions to prevent
mosquito bites.”
Recommended WNV precautions include:
-
Using insect repellent containing DEET,
picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing
IR3535, always following label directions
-
Emptying all standing water on your
property to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed
-
Making sure your window and door screens
are in good condition
-
Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and
dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
-
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 will experience
symptoms that may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea,
tiredness, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash.
Anyone who develops the more serious symptoms of West Nile
Neuroinvasive Disease, such as high fever, 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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