Marisa O'Neil
City and county officials said Monday they will continue their
efforts to stop the spread of West Nile Virus but don't plan any
significant changes now that two birds have died here from the
disease.
Last month, officials in each city found a crow carcass that
tested positive for the mosquito-borne illness, according to the
Orange County Health Care Agency. Although no confirmed human cases
have hit Newport Beach or Costa Mesa, the agency on Monday reported a
third human case in Orange County. They did not disclose the
patient's name or city of residence.
Three deaths from the virus have been reported in Southern
California -- one each in Fullerton and San Bernardino and one
reported Monday in Long Beach.
Now that the disease, which creates flu-like symptoms in some
people, has turned up in Newport-Mesa, residents are taking a closer
look at pools of water that may provide a perfect home for mosquito
larvae.
"We have a big body of water near us, and it concerns us since
this virus is coming through here," said Albert Pussell, who lives
near the Back Bay. "I think there could be dozens and dozens of spots
[where mosquitoes could breed]."
Pussell said he called the Orange County Vector Control District
to voice his concerns and was told that someone would come out to
look at standing water in the area. The district has workers who
watch the Back Bay and conduct mosquito trapping in the area in
addition to their efforts throughout the county, said Debbie Cavers,
spokesperson for the vector control district.
"We have stepped up our routine efforts in flood control channels,
storm drains, wetlands and marshes," Cavers said. "We are constantly
monitoring and doing mosquito surveillance."
The pest control agency has increased its workforce for the summer
to address the West Nile Virus and the mosquitoes that carry it,
according to Cavers. That involves monitoring water flow, setting
traps, spraying and releasing mosquito fish, which eat the larvae.
But controlling standing water is a cooperative effort, Cavers
said. If people see a problem area, they should take care of it
themselves whenever possible.
"It's easier for a resident to just go out and take a broom and
swish water out to the street," she said. "Cities are under such
budget constraints, it's difficult for them to [always do that]."
Officials from Newport Beach and Costa Mesa indicated they believe
the district is on top of the situation but would keep an eye on
developments.
