West Nile Virus

Posted on July 24, 2004 in The Orange West Nile Virus

I saw the notices posted around Peters Canyon lake on the July 4th weekend. West Nile Virus killed its first California victim here in Orange County. Am I afraid? I keep this in mind:

Authorities are telling people to be cautious – try to avoid being out when you are most likely to be bitten by a mosquito. During the two hours after dusk you should be extra careful, they say – use insect repellent and make sure there is no standing water.

I also don’t fit the profile: I don’t have any immune system disorder or an organ transplant like the 57 year old man who died here in June. Besides that, the chaparral is dry: the only body of water here is chlorinated. Chances are that I will show no symptoms if I contract it.

We’re not talking about a Biblical plague: we’re talking about a disease which only affects a few and only a small percentage of those die.

I plan to take the CDC’s advice: stay inside after dusk when I am in vicinity of Upper Newport Bay.