Precautionary health notices were mailed out to residents, offering tips on how to stay safe.
SAN DIEGO — Residents of Golden Hill have been alerted to the presence of West Nile Virus in their neighborhood, following a notice from the county’s Vector Control program.
“Kind of scary, honestly,” said Jackie Osuna, who was surprised when her neighbor showed her the letter detailing precautionary measures.
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The “Precautionary Health Notice” highlights methods for residents to protect themselves and notes that these alerts are sent to those living within a quarter-mile of any detected cases. Although the exact location of the virus detection has not been disclosed, officials are monitoring the situation closely.
San Diego County utilizes 87 mosquito traps throughout the region to test for the virus, with 45 birds and 95 mosquito batches testing positive so far this year. This is a noticeable increase from 2025, which recorded only 34 positive birds and 182 positive mosquito batches over the entire year. Health expert officials expressed concern, stating, “When there’s increased mosquitoes testing positive and dead birds testing positive, we start to get concerned that there’s more virus circulating.”
Currently, the county is tracking four human cases of West Nile Virus, a significant rise from zero reported cases last year. Health officials warn that the actual number of infections could be higher, as about 80% of those infected show no symptoms.
“For those who do get sick, symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, rash, and swollen glands,” Dr. Mark Beatty, Assistant Medical Director within epidemiology and immunization services at the County of San Diego, noted. “It’s a very serious disease,” particularly for older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
To mitigate risk, residents are advised to eliminate standing water, as mosquitoes breed in these environments. Recommendations include emptying items such as flower pots, bird baths, pet bowls, and pool covers regularly, as well as using bug spray and wearing long sleeves. Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk, prompting Osuna to say, “if anything, I’m just going to be super diligent about closing the windows, and then we do have bug spray, so I’m going to use that for sure.”
The county encourages residents to report increased mosquito activity, unmaintained green pools, and dead birds by contacting their Vector Control offices by calling (858) 694-2888 or emailing vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.