1st Orange County West Nile Case Of The Year Reported

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Health officials in Orange County detected the first West Nile virus infection of the year, authorities said Friday.

A man tested positive, according to the Orange County Health Care agency, but it was not disclosed exactly when he was tested. Last year, there were three reported human infections in the county, but no related deaths, officials said.

The virus is typically spread by mosquitos and can infect humans, birds, insects, horses and some other mammals. Most people who become infected do not become ill, but about 20 percent will develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness and occasionally, a skin rash.

Serious symptoms, such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or paralysis are rare, according to OC health officials.

“West Nile Virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall,” Dr. Matthew Zahn, Deputy County Health Officer, said. "The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.”

Residents are encouraged to dump any standing water on their property, since that's where mosquitoes breed.