First human West Nile Virus case reported in Orange County this year.

First Human Case of West ‍Nile Virus ⁤Reported in Orange County

SANTA​ ANA, Calif.—Orange County Health ‌Care Agency officials Aug. 28 reported the first human case of West Nile virus this year.

A woman in Orange tested positive for the virus, but was not experiencing symptoms, officials ⁣said.

Last year, the agency reported 11 human infections of the virus in Orange County, with two dying.

The virus is⁤ what experts call “endemic,” meaning it is a seasonal virus that regularly ‍comes around in the summer and is contained.

“The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary⁤ measures to avoid mosquito bites,” said Dr. ‍Matthew Zahn, the deputy county health officer.

Experts suggest the‍ following tips:

• Empty ‍standing water where mosquitoes can breed
• Ensure that window and door screens are still effective
• Use insect repellent ⁣that includes DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products that contain IR3535
• Cut down on outdoor activity at dawn⁤ and dust when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when ⁣outdoors

Most of the time​ infections do not ⁢lead to‌ symptoms, but in 20 percent of cases, fever, headache, body aches, nausea, fatigue, ​and skin⁤ rash can occur. The more serious symptoms include severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, ‍or paralysis.

People aged 50 or older face ⁣an increased risk of ‌complications from the virus.