Newport-Mesa on West Nile watch

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.

Both cities do weekly street sweeping, which helps get rid of

standing water. And vector control workers manage traditionally

problematic areas.

Newport Beach doesn’t have the resources to hunt down pools of

water throughout the city, said Dave Niederhaus, general services

director. But if people see areas where water is collecting or know

of neighbors with unkempt pools, fountains or birdbaths, the city can

send someone out to take a look.

“We’re starting to get calls from people,” Niederhaus said.

“They’re very nervous anywhere they see standing water. And it’s

probably a good thing that they’re starting to note it.”

Costa Mesa doesn’t have any specific plans to deal with West Nile,

said Bruce Hartley, maintenance services manager for the city. But as

they get more calls from concerned residents, he said, they will look

into ways they can help control the problem.

Newport Beach Mayor Tod Ridgeway said the city was stressing

awareness and education and encouraging people to wear long pants and

sleeves and insect repellent containing DEET if they’re out after

dark.

Newport Beach resident Pat Swan said she’s worried about standing

water she’s seen on Dover Drive, not far from where one of the dead

crows was found. Now when she goes out, she said, she’ll get home

earlier or make sure she wears repellent.

“All it takes is one infected mosquito to hurt someone,” she said.