Laguna Beach Woman Diagnosed With West Nile Virus

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A Laguna Beach woman in her 70s has been diagnosed with West Nile virus, making her the first human case of the virus in Orange County this year,according to the Orange County Health Agency.

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) has confirmed three mosquito samples to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in 2017.

The mosquitoes were collected from Costa Mesa, La Habra, and Yorba Linda. OCMVCD routinely monitors populations of adult mosquitoes and test groups of adult female mosquitoes for the presence of WNV and other mosquito-borne viruses.

Year-to-date, OCMVCD confirmed WNV activity in 3 Orange County cities, 3 mosquito samples, 2 dead birds with an indication of West Nile virus, and 0 human cases of WNV. [See WNV Map]

West Nile Virus positive dead birds were collected in Irvine and Lake Forest, as well as La Habra, Costa Mesa and Yorba linda according to OCMVCD.

"The West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito," OCMVCD said. "Mosquitoes acquire West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds and then pass the virus along when they bite humans. In areas where West Nile virus has been detected, OCMVCD Inspectors are deployed to canvass the area to look for mosquito breeding sources."

Simple Steps to Control Mosquitoes

• Eliminate any standing water around your house or workplace.
• Make sure all window and door screens on your house are in good repair.
• Wear a repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR 3535.
• Contact the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District to report dead birds or neglected pools.

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