Orange County Confirms First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2011

A Buena Park man in his 50s has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming Orange County’s first confirmed human WNV case of 2011. 

To date, there have been no reports of WNV in Laguna Niguel, according to Deanne Thompson, spokesperson for the Orange County Health Care Agency.

"We have had cases in South County in prior years, but none have been reported yet this year," Thompson said. "West Nile Virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, and with people spending more time outdoors in the early morning and late into the evening during these warm summer months, the risk of contracting the infection is increased."

The Buena Park man was admitted to the hospital in mid-August with symptoms of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, and remains hospitalized.  This is the 19th human case of West Nile Virus reported in California this year.

Nationally, 77 cases have been reported, including three WNV-related deaths. In 2010, there was one confirmed human case of West Nile Virus infection and no WNV-related deaths reported in Orange County.

 “Although West Nile Virus activity has been low in Orange County over the last two years, it is important to recognize that West Nile Virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall,” said Dr. Eric G. Handler, county health officer. “The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.” 

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.

Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not experience symptoms or become seriously ill. About 20 percent of those infected with West Nile Virus will experience symptoms of West Nile fever, which may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Anyone who develops the more serious symptoms of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, or vision loss should seek medical care immediately.

People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from WNV infection.

Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Vector Control District’s web site at ocvcd.org. Other web sites with helpful information about West Nile Virus include:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cdc.gov
• State of California westnile.ca.gov
• Orange County Health Care Agency ochealthinfo.com