WNV Update
The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) is reporting an increase of West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes in areas of the county. Escalated WNV responses such as residential truck-mounted adult mosquito control is triggered when surveillance data continues to identify significant WNV positive mosquitoes in an area.
The high number WNVpositive mosquitoes in the cities of Fullerton and Buena Park has resulted in the season’s first residential truck-mounted adult mosquito control treatment. Laboratory test results show continued WNV positive mosquito samples in the area between the Beach Boulevard to Euclid Street and the 91 Freeway to Rosecrans Avenue. The presence of WNV positive mosquito samples combined with a high abundance of mosquitoes increases the risk of residents getting bit by a mosquito capable of transmitting WNV.
In an effort to reduce the number of mosquitoes, interrupt virus transmission and protect the public from mosquito-borne diseases, the OCMVCD will conduct truck-mounted ultralow volume (ULV) applications in neighborhoods where the mosquitoes were trapped. The treatments were applied from August 25 to today between 10 p.m.-5 a.m.
OCMVCD will continue to track WNV positive mosquito samples throughout the county and may add additional treatment areas and dates throughout the remainder of the WNV season. Treatments will be conducted between the hours of 10 p.m.-5 a.m. in areas determined to be high-risk for WNV transmission to residents. Residents can sign up for alerts regarding treatment in their area on the district’s website or check the spray schedule and determine whether their homes are located within the treatment area at https:// www. ocvector. org/residential-truck-mountedtreatments.
Residents in treatment areas will be notified prior to the treatment date with signs posted in their neighborhoods or a flyer left at the door. All control products used by OCMVCD are registered by the federal and state Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of controlling mosquitoes and to safeguard public health. The products are applied according to the label rate (less than 1 fluid oz. per acre) and are not harmful to people or pets, even if they are present during the application. The application will also not harm the finishes on cars or homes. Residents do not have to turn off air-conditioning units during the application.
Residents should take the following precautions to help reduce the chances of getting bit by mosquitoes:
• Dump and drain any containers filled with water at least once a week.
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly.
• Dump water from potted plant saucers.
• Do not transport or share plant stems rooted in water.
• Drill a hole or puncture containers to eliminate standing water.
To prevent mosquito bites, the District offers the following tips:
• Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin before going outdoors; reapply as recommended.
• Wear repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space; repair broken or damaged screens
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and opt for lightercolored clothing Mosquito Control is a shared responsibility. Orange County residents are urged to inspect their property for possible mosquito breeding sources and to educate their neighbors to help keep their neighborhoods mosquito-free.
Visit ocvector.org to learn more about what you can do to prevent mosquito breeding in and around your property. — Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District
