Mosquito Awareness Week In Orange County

Mosquitoes are not only nuisances; they can cause sickness and death through the diseases they can carry. This week (April 15 -21) the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) joins public health agencies throughout the state to raise awareness and educate Californians about the threat mosquitoes can pose to local residents and families.

To kickoff California Mosquito Awareness Week and the mosquito season:

• OCMVCD is releasing a West Nile virus (WNV) Survivor video about the impact of a mosquito-borne illness on one local family (http://bit.ly/WNVSurvivor2018).
• The District has also deployed additional inspectors to canvass neighborhoods with historically higher than average mosquito activity to expand public education with residents.
• Vector Control officials have started meeting with various city staff to discuss mosquito control and fixing infrastructure issues.
• Mrs. Mosquito, OCMVCD’s Giant Inflatable Mosquito, along with District staff will be participating in events across the county to educate the public about mosquito sources found on their yards and what residents can do to protect themselves.
• The District’s social media pages will also be highlighting mosquito prevention tips and tricks and awarding prizes to participants.

"Orange County residents need to continue to be aware of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus. Eliminating mosquito breeding in and around your home is the the best way for residents to protect themselves and their families.” said Rick Howard, District Manager.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of infected mosquitoes, which become infected when feeding on birds carrying the virus. West Nile virus infections are often mild or asymptomatic, but the virus can cause significant cognitive and neurological symptoms in some patients, and possibly death. Since its arrival in Orange County in 2004, there have been 704 reported cases. Of those, 31 were fatal.

The invasive Aedes mosquitoes are mosquito species detected in 46 neighborhoods across 19 Orange County cities. They are capable of transmitting deadly viruses such as Zika, chikungunya, and dengue fever. While these viruses are not currently being transmitted by mosquitoes locally in Orange County, local transmission could begin if someone infected abroad traveled to Orange County and is bit by a local invasive Aedes mosquito.

Whether it’s Zika or West Nile virus, preventing mosquito breeding and bites are the keys to preventing a mosquito-borne illness.

Residents can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by wearing repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR 3535 when outside during periods of mosquito activity, and ensuring window screens are in good condition. Residents should also regularly inspect the yard for standing water; tip out the water and toss out the source.

Orange County residents are urged to report unusual numbers of mosquitoes, or any standing water in gutters and pools that can not be eliminated, to OCMVCD at (714) 971-2421 or by visiting the website at OCVector.org.

For more information, please contact the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District at (714) 971-2421 or (949) 654-2421, or visit www.OCVector.org.

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