Bird tests positive for West Nile virus | News

A dead American woman found in the Clairemont area of ​​San Diego tested positive for West Nile virus, prompting county health officials to remind residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes that can transmit the virus to humans.

County officials said residents should continue to follow the county's “prevent, protect and report” guidelines, which include identifying and draining standing water around homes to prevent mosquito breeding.

The crow is the first dead bird to test positive for the virus in San Diego County this summer, but no locally transmitted cases of West Nile virus in humans have been reported this year.

However, West Nile virus remains a potentially deadly threat. In 2015, 44 San Diego County residents tested positive for West Nile virus and six county residents died.

West Nile virus is primarily a disease of birds, but it can be transmitted to humans by various species of mosquitoes that feed on an infected bird and then bite the human.

Some infected people experience symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, rash or swollen glands. In rare cases, however, the West Nile virus can cause serious illness and even death.

Mosquito protection is always important in San Diego County.

County authorities advise residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes and potential illnesses by following the county's Prevent, Protect, Report guidelines.

Prevent mosquito reproduction

Dispose of any items inside or outside homes that may contain water, such as saucers, rain barrels, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires, and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish, available free through the Vector Control Program, can be used to control mosquito breeding in yard water sources such as standing pools, ponds, fountains, and horse troughs.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites

Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases by wearing long sleeves and long pants or using insect repellent when outdoors. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthanediol, 2-undecanone or IR3535. Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition and secured to keep insects out.

Report possible mosquito activity and dead birds

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

Visit San Diego County “Fight the bite” Visit the website to learn how to prevent and protect yourself from these mosquitoes.