Orange County breaks statewide record for most West Nile virus deaths in 2014

ORANGE, Calif. (KABC) -- Orange County reported the most West Nile virus deaths in California in 2014 and officials expect the numbers to rise this year. The California Department of Public Health believes the recent spike of infections are due to the historic drought the state is currently facing.

Last year broke the record for West Nile virus infections and deaths. The health department reported 31 deaths in California, the most since the state began recording West Nile cases in 2003.

Orange County is known to have higher than average West Nile virus infections than other areas of California. In 2014, the Orange County Health Care Agency reported 282 human infections in comparison to the state of California's record of 801. Orange County also reported 8 deaths due to the virus compared California's 31 reported deaths.

"Orange County was always sort of a place where West Nile virus activity was a concern, but what happened last year was completely unexpected for us," said Robert Cummings, an Orange County Vector Control District representative.

Although no human cases of West Nile have been reported yet in 2015, doctors do expect an increase in human infections for this year.

Los Angeles County Vector Control started their mosquito abatement two months early this year. Scientists are seeing a rise in the number of mosquitoes in Orange County. They believe the increase in mosquito presence is due to high temperatures and California's historic drought.

Dr. Karen Smith, head of the California Department of Public Heath, said it's possible the drought had a role in the increased virus activity by creating more limited sources of water for birds and mosquitoes. Smith said the dry spell could have caused some sources of water to stagnate, making sources more attractive for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

The department of health wants all California residents to avoid West Nile virus by adhering to the three D's: Use bug repellent with the chemical Deet, be aware of bugs during dusk and dawn, and be sure to drawn all standing water.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.