O.C. Sees Second Death from West Nile Virus This Month

The Orange County Vector Control District has reported a second West Nile virus-related fatality this month.

The victim, a resident of Huntington Beach, was a male in his 70s, according to a memo from the district.

While North Orange County has seen a plethora of birds testing positive for West Nile virus, Huntington Beach hasn’t been one of them.

“Huntington Beach has only four mosquito samples, and 20 dead birds that have tested positive for West Nile virus in 2014,” wrote Jared Dever, director of communications for the district.

Earlier this week, health officials announced Orange County’s first West Nile virus-related death this year, an elderly woman in Seal Beach.

According to the state, there have been six other deaths from West Nile virus this year -- two in Stanislaus County and one each in Sacramento, Sutter, Glenn and Shasta counties.

County health officials point out that it is especially important to take precautions against mosquito bites during the peak West Nile virus season. Recommended WNV precautions include:

• Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed, including flower pots and pet bowls
• Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition
• Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535, always following label directions
• Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

City News Service contributed to this report.

GRAPHIC Courtesy the O.C. Vector Control District.