Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes in Seal Beach, Areas of Orange County

Seal Beach, CA--Conditions in Orange County are ripe for mosquitoes, according to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

In 2016, the earliest indications in Orange County of West Nile virus from May showed positive mosquito samples in: Anaheim, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Orange, and Seal Beach.

These findings indicate a more broad distribution of the virus earlier in the mosquito-breeding season
than in the previous two epidemic years, according to a recent report from the district.

"Meteorological reports of significant El Nino related weather events for 2016 gave the District hope that underground storm drains, flood channels, ditches, gutters, and many other water conveyance systems would be flushed of debris," Jared Dever, the Director of Communications for the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District said.

When the rains did not come, the flow of water has staunched, and created a mosquito-breeding habitat.

In addition, aerial surveillance photography conducted earlier this year revealed thousands of previously unknown out-of-service residential swimming pools.

"Both of these factors contribute to higher mosquito populations, and the transmission of West Nile virus," Dever said. "Recent heat waves shorten the amount of time it takes for mosquitoes to progress from egg to adult, and also encourage residents to spend more time outdoors during the early evening hours when mosquitoes are actively looking for a blood meal."

As the temperature increases again, residents are reminded to:

• apply mosquito repellent when outdoors
• ensure window and door screens are in good repair
• dump and drain any standing water on their property

In areas where West Nile virus has been detected, District staff are posting signs and distributing flyers alerting residents to the detection of the virus, and preventative measures they can take to prevent becoming infected.

"Additional staff has been allocated to canvass these areas to look for mosquito breeding sources, expand public education, and work with city officials to correct infrastructure issues," Dever said.

The American Mosquito Control Association continues to remind residents about the increased threat of mosquito-borne disease.

"The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) reminds residents to take a few simple steps to prevent mosquito bites this holiday weekend," Dever said.

Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been collected from six Orange County cities so far in 2016.

"These finding indicate that the virus is being actively transmitted among birds and mosquitoes, and could result in human infections of the virus," he said.

Prevention of mosquito bites and elimination of mosquito breeding water sources is the most effective
way to prevent West Nile virus.

• Dusk and Dawn are the most important times for protection.
• When outdoors during dusk and dawn, apply mosquito repellent, and wear long sleeves and pants.
• Female mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colored clothing; so wearing light colored and loosely fitting clothing to help keep you safe.
• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property by dumping or draining any standing water.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your house by maintaining window and door screens. Mosquitoes can fit through a hole less than 1/4-inch in diameter.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for District email notifications, follow us on social media, and
visit our website for the most current West Nile virus information.

For more information, visit: www.ocvcd.org