Mosquitoes collected in Newport Beach have tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the first confirmed detection of the virus in Orange County this year, officials announced on Tuesday. The infected mosquitoes were found in an area bounded by Campus Drive, Jamboree Road, State Route 73, and John Wayne Airport, according to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD).

Community Alert and Prevention Measures

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Orange County this year. Amber Semrow, the district’s director of scientific and technical services, stated that the presence of virus-positive mosquito samples indicates the virus is circulating in the community. This early detection aligns with similar activity in neighboring counties, suggesting favorable conditions for sustained virus activity across the region.

West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which become carriers after feeding on birds with the virus. The OCMVCD will continue mosquito surveillance, inspections, and control efforts in the affected area, and advisory signs will be posted to warn residents of the virus activity.

Community Involvement in Mosquito Control

OCMVCD Public Information Officer Brian Brannon emphasized the importance of community involvement in mosquito control. Residents are urged to eliminate standing water around homes and businesses by emptying containers at least once a week and regularly cleaning bird baths and pet water bowls. Health officials also recommend using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, repairing damaged window and door screens, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.

For more information on mosquito prevention and West Nile virus, residents can visit the district’s website.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.