West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes From 13 Orange County Cities

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — West Nile virus has now been detected in mosquito samples from 13 Orange County cities, including in Newport Beach.

In total, 38 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus this season, according to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

That number is more than double the 18 positive samples recorded just one week earlier.

The latest surveillance map shows positive mosquito samples in the following cities, per OC Vector Control:

• Fullerton (15)
• Buena Park (7)
• Anaheim (3)
• Santa Ana (3)
• Huntington Beach (2)
• Brea (1)
• Costa Mesa (1)
• Cypress (1)
• Garden Grove (1)
• Newport Beach (1)
• Seal Beach (1)
• Stanton (1)
• Westminster (1)

Fullerton recorded nearly 40 percent of all West Nile-positive mosquito samples detected in Orange County this season, according to the data.

Vector control officials urged residents to help reduce mosquito populations by scouring their homes for standing water and torn window screens, as well as applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus when spending time outdoors.

The southern house mosquito usually needs a large body of water to breed in, but the ankle biters can breed in a capful of water, he said.

The southern house mosquitoes can be warded off with any sort of repellant, but insect spray with 30 percent DEET is recommended for the ankle biters.

Residents are advised to use a fan, which can blow away the weak fliers. Residents should also make sure screens are in good order and to dump stagnant water at least once a week.

The unusual warm and wet conditions are being blamed for a sharp increase in mosquito activity across California as far north as Sacramento and especially in Southern California.

OC Vector Spokesperson Brian Bannon warned in March that residents can expect a surge in mosquito activity in areas that have recently experienced heavy rains followed by sudden heat.

"Unfortunately, what it could be setting us up for is a really bad summer," Bannon said. "Typically, this is what we see when they have had a chance to get a head start and breed and increase their numbers during the off season."

Residents can request Vector Control staff to come and do a free house canvassing to see what can be done to minimize mosquitoes on the property.

Such services are offered in Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Los Angeles counties. Bannon urged all residents to take advantage of these resources before peak mosquito season hits in the summer.

Here are some tips and tricks to dealing with mosquitoes, per OC Vector:

Preventing mosquito bites

• Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin before going outdoors and reapply if needed.
• Wear repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil.
• Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants as well as lighter-colored clothing.

How to get rid of mosquito breeding sources from your property

• Dump and drain any contained that fill with water at least once a week.
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly.
• Dump water from potted plant saucers.
• Don't move or share plant stems rooted in water.
• Drill a hole or puncture containers to eliminate standing water.

Residents can get more information about mosquitoes on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District website.