Mosquitoes Caught in O.C. Have West Nile

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found at a Fullerton park, prompting health officials Monday to increase spraying in the area while warning residents to take precautions.

Mosquitoes collected in traps at Craig Regional Park on July 19 tested positive for the virus, which this year has infected 16 people in California, said Tawnia Pett, spokeswoman for Orange County Vector Control.

The discovery was the first sign of West Nile in Orange County this year, officials said.

Inspectors are spraying nearby waterways and gutters and placing more traps. Health officials said residents should check their windows and door screens to make sure there are no gaps.

For those who go outdoors, officials recommend wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and applying insect repellent.

The West Nile virus, first detected in California in 2002, can be passed to humans through mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds.

Health officials said the hot weather helps mosquitoes proliferate.

“With the recent rains and the warm weather, there is a greater chance of having mosquito breeding around your home,” said David Swerdlin, president of the board of trustees for the Orange County Vector Control District.

About 80% of humans infected with the virus don’t realize it, officials said. Nearly 20% experience mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. In fewer than 1% of cases, a potentially fatal complication, such as encephalitis or meningitis, can develop.

The mosquitoes were found in traps placed at the park as part of a weekly surveillance program by the agency, Pett said.