SAN DIEGO, CA — Two dead crows found near the Rolando and Skyline neighborhoods tested positive for West Nile virus, marking some of the earliest signs of virus activity this year in San Diego County, county officials said.
No human cases have been reported locally so far, but officials urged residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as mosquito season gets underway.
West Nile virus primarily affects birds, but mosquitoes can transmit the virus to people after feeding on infected birds. Most infected people experience no symptoms or only mild symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea, fatigue, rash or swollen glands. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe illness or death.
County officials encouraged residents to follow three steps: prevent mosquito breeding, protect themselves from bites, and report mosquito activity or dead birds.
Residents can help reduce mosquito populations by eliminating standing water around their homes, including in plant saucers, gutters, buckets, toys, tires and wheelbarrows. The county also offers free mosquito-eating fish for ponds, fountains and unused swimming pools.
To avoid mosquito bites, officials recommend wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, and ensuring window and door screens are in good shape.
Residents are asked to report unusually high numbers of mosquitoes, green swimming pools, standing water, and dead birds such as crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls to the county's Vector Control Program at 858-694-2888 or by email at vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.
More information is available at SDFightTheBite.com.
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