SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The county sent Golden Hill residents a letter alerting them of the presence of West Nile virus in their neighborhood, it confirmed Monday.
The precautionary notice was sent to residents within a quarter mile of where the virus was detected during a routine check of mosquito traps, a spokesperson for San Diego County said in an email Monday.
There are 87 mosquito traps placed throughout the county that are routinely checked for the virus, which is transmitted to animals and humans by infected mosquitoes.
According to the county’s website, 45 birds and 95 batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus so far this year. In comparison, 34 birds and 182 batches tested positive last year.
The county spokesperson also said that to date, there have been 11 reported human cases of West Nile virus, which is an increase from previous years.
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. and can be found in every California county, including San Diego.
Officials advise protecting yourself from mosquito bites to prevent contracting the illness, as well as getting rid of standing water sources that can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. They also recommend reporting dead birds and mosquito problems to County Vector Control.
Most people experience no symptoms or mild illness like a fever, nausea, fatigue or skin rash, but in rare cases the virus can cause severe illness or death.
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