By Jim Shilander
Reported cases of West Nile Virus among humans, along with incidents of dead birds found to have the mosquito-borne disease, are rising in the county, according to a release from the Orange County Vector Control District last week.
As of Aug. 4, nine people were infected with the virus, the Orange County Health Care Agency reported.
Of the 82 dead birds found this year, a plurality, 33, came from Santa Ana, as did four of the reported human cases, according to OCVCD. However, birds have also tested positive for West Nile as far south as Irvine, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. A human case was also reported in Laguna Niguel.
The county’s first case was diagnosed on July 10. The Santa Ana man, who tested positive for the virus, was admitted to the hospital and later released. He is now out home recovering, the health agency said.
County health and vector control agencies are urging residents to take precautions to prevent infection, including conducting routine property inspections for mosquito-breeding sources.
Residents should look for any standing water around the house or neighborhood and either remove the water source or contact OCVCD for help. Health officials also said residents can use insect repellant, wear long-sleeve shirts and pants and to avoid being outside from dusk to dawn.
If a dead bird is found, residents are asked to call OCVCD at 714.971.2421.