West Nile Virus Detection Peaks in Fullerton Stimulate Pesticide Application Program

FULLERTON, California (KABC) –

A truck-mounted pesticide spray program began Thursday morning in Fullerton due to a significant increase in West Nile virus in the region, officials said.

According to Lora Young, of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District, the pesticide will be applied in 3,989 properties in the city.

Twenty-nine positive samples of West Nile virus were identified between August 24 and September 28, and two people tested positive for the virus, Young said. Of these 29 samples, 27 were found in areas that teams plan to spray from 2 am to 5 am each day until Saturday.

One of the people who test positive for the virus lives in the area, said Young.

The increase in detected activity means a higher risk of resident bites by a mosquito capable of transmitting the virus.

Health officials have not been able to identify the reason for the increase in West Nile virus activity in Fullerton.

"It could be a number of small garden sources contributing to this," said the spokesperson.

Young said the district was using the DeltaGard-based water for the first time. She described the pesticide as safe for people, pets and safe for car and home finishes.

As a precaution, residents are advised to remove stagnant water near structures, to install or repair screens on windows and doors and to wear an insect repellent.

To learn more about pesticide spraying and see the full program, visit www.ocvector.org/fullerton.