West Nile virus detected in Orange County mosquito samples

Orange County officials have issued a health advisory after the West Nile virus was found in some of the area’s mosquitoes.

“OCMVCD has confirmed mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus in the Cities of Anaheim and Garden Grove,” the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District stated in a post on X Tuesday.

The four positive mosquito samples represent the first confirmed virus activity this year.

The OCMVCD offered several recommendations to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Eliminate any standing water around your house.
• Make sure all window and door screens on your house are in good repair.
• Wear a repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535.
• Contact the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District to report dead birds or neglected pools.

“Residents can take precautions by wearing mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are most active (dawn/dusk),” the public agency stated.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that has spread throughout the U.S. and is well established in most states, including California.