Child Infected With West Nile Virus In Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, CA —It is the height of mosquito season, and one person in Orange County—a child—has contracted West Nile Virus, the Orange County Health Care Agency reported Monday. The child, whose age and identity are not being disclosed, is one of 10 people infected with the virus across the state of California in 2020, thus far.

West Nile Virus, a disease with no cure, has symptoms that include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or skin rash. An infected person can experience symptoms from "several days to months," the OC Health Care Agency reports.

The child is expected to recover, officials reported, Monday.

One in five individuals infected with West Nile, for which there is no cure, will exhibit symptoms that include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or skin rash. The symptoms can last for several days to months.

One in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis and possibly death. Those at greatest risk include seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems.

People older than 50 and who have underlying medical conditions are at a heightened risk.

"The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites," said Dr. Clayton Chau, the director of the Orange County Health Care Agency and interim chief health officer for the county.

To curb the spread of West Nile Virus, experts say it's critical to remove typical breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry the disease. People should clean out standing water sources around the house, including pet bowls and flower pots. Stagnant swimming pools should be reported to authorities.

People also can protect against bites by making sure window screens can keep bugs out and by insect repellent containing CDC-recommended Picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.

Mosquito season in Southern California generally spans May to October.