West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes In Santee

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – West Nile virus made its first appearance of the summer in San Diego County this week when a batch of mosquitoes in Santee tested positive for the viral infection, county officials announced Wednesday.

West Nile virus mainly affects birds, but it can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that feed off an infected animal and then bite people.

Officials said West Nile virus has been present in San Diego County since 2003. However, no people or birds — the main carriers of West Nile virus — have tested positive for the virus in the county this year.

Only about 20 percent of people who get infected with West Nile virus suffer any symptoms, though it can be deadly in rare cases. Symptoms are typically mild, including headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands.

County officials recommend residents prevent mosquito breeding by removing or regularly cleaning items outside homes that can hold standing water, including plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish, available for free from the county's Vector Control Program, may be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources such as unused swimming pools, ponds, fountains and horse troughs.

"One of the most important things people can do is to find and dump out any standing water they see inside and outside their homes so mosquitoes can't breed," said Elise Rothschild, director of the county Department of Environmental Health.

Officials also recommend wearing long sleeves and pants as well as using repellent when outdoors. Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition and secured to keep insects out.

Last year, two county residents tested positive for the virus, according to officials. Both people recovered.

However, across California in 2017, 600 people tested positive for the virus and 44 people died. In Los Angeles County, 268 people tested positive and 27 people died.

Report increased mosquito activity, or neglected, green swimming pools and other mosquito-breeding sources, to the county's Vector Control Program at 858-694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.

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