More Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes collected recently in routine monitoring in the City Heights and Skyline neighborhoods in the City of San Diego have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The detections prompted County officials to remind people to use the County's "Prevent, Protect, Report" guidelines to keep mosquitoes from breeding and to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses.

To help reduce mosquito activity in the City Heights and Skyline neighborhoods, the County's Vector Control Program will be inspecting and treating mosquito breeding sites and conducting follow-up mosquito trapping in the areas.

The new detections are in addition to ongoing West Nile virus activity in Rolando and La Mesa that was previously reported in July. Although mosquito numbers are down in those areas, County Vector Control continues to routinely monitor mosquito activity, offer mosquito inspections to residents and act to reduce mosquito breeding.

There have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in San Diego County this year.

However, the virus remains a potentially deadly threat, because it can be transmitted to humans by several types of mosquitoes if they feed on an infected bird and then bite people.

Some people who become infected can suffer symptoms including headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, or swollen glands. But in rare cases, West Nile virus can make people extremely ill and even kill them.

Protecting against mosquitoes is always important in San Diego County. The recent detections of West Nile virus serve as reminders that the public can help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses by continuing to follow the County's "Prevent, Protect, Report" guidelines. Those include finding and dumping out standing water around homes to keep mosquitoes from breeding.

Prevent mosquito breeding

Dump out or remove things around homes that can hold water-whether from rain or sprinklers. Those things can include plant saucers, rain barrels, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish, available for free by contacting the Vector Control Program, may be placed in backyard water sources such as stagnant swimming pools, ponds, fountains and horse troughs to control mosquito breeding.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites

Protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses by wearing long sleeves and pants or put on insect repellent when outdoors. Use an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535. Make sure screens on windows and doors don't have holes and are secured to keep insects out.

Report possible mosquito activity and dead birds

Report increased mosquito activity, unmaintained green swimming pools and other mosquito-breeding sources, as well as dead birds-crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls-to the County Vector Control Program by calling (858) 694-2888 or emailing [email protected].

Go to San Diego County's "Fight the Bite " website to learn how to prevent and protect against West Nile virus and mosquitoes.

For more information about West Nile Virus, go to the County Health and Human Services Agency's West Nile virus webpage.