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A\u00a0dead\u00a0American\u00a0crow\u00a0recently\u00a0found in the North Park area\u00a0has\u00a0tested positive for West Nile virus\u00a0(WNV),\u00a0prompting County environmental health officials to remind people to protect themselves from mosquitoes that can\u00a0spread the disease\u00a0to people.\u00a0<\/p>\n
West Nile virus is\u00a0primarily\u00a0a bird disease, but it can be transmitted to humans\u00a0when\u00a0certain\u00a0types of mosquitoes feed on an infected bird and then bite people.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The crow is the first\u00a0detection of West Nile virus\u00a0in San Diego County this\u00a0year. No human West Nile virus cases\u00a0have been\u00a0reported\u00a0this year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, West Nile virus\u00a0remains\u00a0a potentially deadly threat. In 2015, 44 San Diego County residents tested positive for West Nile virus and six county residents died.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Warm Weather Brings Mosquitoes\u00a0<\/p>\n
Warmer\u00a0temperatures\u00a0combined\u00a0with winter\u00a0rain\u00a0can\u00a0bring an earlier\u00a0start to mosquito season in San Diego County.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The\u00a0County has already detected\u00a0early\u00a0mosquito activity.\u00a0In response,\u00a0County Vector Control\u00a0is increasing\u00a0surveillance\u00a0and\u00a0treating mosquito breeding sources.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The County\u2019s\u00a0Integrated Vector Management Strategy\u00a0includes monitoring\u00a0roughly 1,600\u00a0potential mosquito\u00a0breeding sites and applying\u00a0larvicide\u00a0by\u00a0air, boat,\u00a0truck\u00a0and hand crews.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
County\u00a0Vector Control\u00a0staff also respond to\u00a0community\u00a0complaints about increases in mosquito numbers and give presentations to neighborhood groups about mosquito prevention.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
How to\u00a0Prevent\u00a0West Nile Virus\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
County officials\u00a0are reminding residents to\u00a0follow\u00a0the\u00a0\u201cPrevent, Protect, Report\u201d guidelines.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Prevent\u00a0mosquito breeding\u00a0<\/p>\n
Protect yourself from mosquito bites\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wear long sleeves and pants or use insect repellent when outdoors.
\nUse EPA-recommended repellentscontaining DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, paramenthanediol, 2undecanone, or IR3535.
\nEnsure window and door screens are in good condition and properly secured.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Report\u00a0possible mosquito\u00a0activity and dead birds\u00a0<\/p>\n
Report increased mosquito activity, stagnant, green swimming pools and other mosquito-breeding sources, or dead birds\u2014especially crows, ravens, jays, hawks, and owls\u2014to the County Vector Control Program by calling (858) 694-2888 or emailing\u202fvector@sdcounty.ca.gov<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n