Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus (WNV)

   
 

 

Orange County Health Care Agency, Epidemiology & Assessment - Latest Clinical Update

What is West Nile Virus (WNV)?

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that has been found in parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The virus was first detected in the United States (U.S.) in 1999 in New York City.

The majority of people and animals that are infected with the virus have a mild illness or no symptoms. In rare cases, the virus can cause a more serious condition called encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. The elderly are at a higher risk for disease caused by WNV.

For up to date surveillance information visit the California State West Nile Virus website at http://www.westnile.ca.gov.

What are the Symptoms of WNV?

Most people who are infected with WNV have no symptoms. However, of those who become ill, symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, mild skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes. In a few cases, the disease will progress to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) with neck rigidity possibly progressing to loss of consciousness. The time between the mosquito bite and the onset of illness is from 5-15 days. The elderly are particularly susceptible to clinical illness caused by WNV. Currently no vaccine for humans is available.

Reducing Your Risks

The risk of virus transmission is most frequent from May to October when mosquitoes are most abundant (see transmission cycle below). Risk of infection by West Nile Virus can be reduced:

  • Eliminate areas where mosquito larvae breed. See our checklist to make sure you haven't missed an opportunity to eliminate mosquito larvae.
  • Avoid mosquito bites. See our guidelines for avoiding mosquito bites.
  • Apply mosquito insecticide in areas where stagante water cannot be drained or removed. Steps that minimize risks to the environment can be followed using EPA guidelines.

UC Irvine Mosquito Control Task Force

-Task Force Member List

-The following measures are being implemented:

  • Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites on campus.
  • Provide a checklist for building managers and others to use to identify and clean up breeding sites such as used tires, empty drums, and poor drainage, including plugged gutters and down spouts.
  • Coordinate communication with public health agencies and the University community.
  • Licensed Individuals are responsible for the application of larvicides to storm drains, etc. for larval mosquito control.
  • Latest available San Joaquin Marsh Surveillance Activity by Mosquito Species.

Reporting Standing Water

  • Call Facilities Management Service Desk (949) 824-5444.

Reporting Dead Birds

  • Facilities Service Desk (REPORT DEAD BIRDS ON CAMPUS): (949) 824-5444.
  • Environmental Health & Safety: (949) 824-6200 or email safety@uci.edu.
  • WNV Dead Bird Hotline: (877) WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).

Contact Information

University of California, Irvine

  • Facilities Service Desk : (949) 824-5444
    • Report dead birds on campus.
    • Report standing water on campus.
  • Environmental Health & Safety: (949) 824-6200 or email safety@uci.edu.

Local (Orange County)

  • Orange County Vector Control : (714) 971-2421 Ext. 117 or email wnv@ocvcd.org
    • Report dead crows only.

State

  • West Nile Virus Hotline: (877) WNV-BIRD

West Nile Virus Resources

 
   
University of California, Irvine Environmental Health & Safety
4600 Health Sciences Road, Irvine, CA 92697-2725 (949) 824-6200, Fax (949) 824-8539
Copyright@2003-2008