Authorities warn of West Nile threat as 76 cases hit O.C.; 3 dead

Laguna Beach city staff are advising residents to rid their property of any stagnant water that could attract mosquitoes as Orange County endures a recent outbreak of West Nile virus cases.

Three county residents — including a Huntington Beach man in his 70s and a Seal Beach woman in her 80s — have died from the disease, carried by mosquitoes, in the last few weeks, the Huntington Beach Independent reported.

The deaths are among the 76 cases reported to the county Health Care Agency this year, as of Tuesday.

None of the reported infections has involved Laguna Beach residents, Health Care Agency spokeswoman Deanne Thompson said.

The Orange County Vector Control District expects 2014 to be the worst year for West Nile virus on record in the county, according to a Laguna Beach news release.

The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Infection can cause severe illness and permanent disabilities, and in rare cases, can result in death.

Due to drought conditions and enhanced mosquito control efforts, the number of mosquitoes in the environment is very low right now, the release says. But the mosquitoes that remain are much more likely to be carrying West Nile virus. About 80% of all mosquitoes recently tested in the county are infected with the virus.

Juvenile mosquitoes live only in stagnant water; without it, they die before becoming blood-sucking adults, according to the release.

Anything that can hold just a teaspoon of water for more than a few days will allow mosquitoes to complete their life cycle to adulthood.

The Vector Control District advises residents to dump and drain all stagnant water and avoid overwatering lawns and washing cars, which can keep street gutters and underground storm drain systems wet, creating the perfect habitat for mosquitoes to breed in large numbers.

Other preventive tips include ensuring that all windows and door screens fit tightly and have no holes and staying indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

To report biting mosquitoes, stagnant water, or recently deceased birds, contact the Vector Control District at (714) 971-2421 or visit https://www.ocvcd.org.