West Nile virus update and contact information; here are precautions you can take
To contact the Orange County Vector Control District, call (714) 971-2421 or (949) 654-2421, Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Online reports can also be made on their website.
To report suspect or confirmed human cases of West Nile, contact Orange County Epidemiology at (714) 834-8180.
The number of West Nile virus cases is increasing, and the Orange County Vector Control District has issued a public health advisory. West Nile virus -- a blood-borne disease transmitted to humans by mosquito bite – has been found in 94 humans countywide and four in Costa Mesa as of Sept. 6. Tests in over 200 dead birds and mosquito samples have also shown positive cases of West Nile.
Approximately 80 percent of people who contract West Nile virus do not show symptoms. However, 20 percent of infections will advance to West Nile fever and may display flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and rash.
Residents are encouraged to help reduce the number of breeding mosquitoes in the community by dumping or draining any standing water on properties. Additionally, the following precautions are recommended to protect residents and their families from being bit or creating breeding areas for mosquitoes:
- Drain pots, unclog gutters, and keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated or drained and covered.
- Repair door and window screens to ensure there are no holes for mosquitoes to enter through.
- When outdoors, use an insect repellent containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535.
- Avoid spending time outdoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
- Report locations of biting mosquitoes; dead birds; and abandoned swimming pools, ponds, and fountains to the Vector Control District.
No comments:
Post a Comment