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<\/p>\nMosquitoes in San Diego County tested positive for West Nile virus near San Carlos; County officials urge \u201cPrevent, Protect, Report\u201d guidelines.<\/p>\n
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. \u2014 Mosquitoes collected during routine monitoring near San Carlos have tested positive for West Nile virus, the first detection of the virus in San Diego County mosquitoes this year.<\/p>\n
For those spending time outdoors during the upcoming holiday, make sure to protect yourself against mosquito bites by following the County\u2019s \u201cPrevent, Protect, Report\u201d guidelines.<\/p>\n
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Preventing mosquito bites is essential year-round in San Diego County.<\/p>\n
Prevent Mosquito Breeding<\/p>\n
Dump or remove items that hold water from rain or sprinklers, including plant saucers, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires and wheelbarrows.Request free mosquito-eating fish for backyard water features\u2014such as unmaintained, green swimming pools, ponds, and fountains \u2014by contacting the\u00a0Vector Control Program.<\/a> <\/p>\n Protect Yourself from Bites<\/p>\n Wear long sleeves and pants or use insect repellent before going outdoors.Choose repellents \u00a0containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535.Check window and door screens to ensure they are intact and secure to keep insects out. <\/p>\n Report \u00a0Mosquito Issues and Dead Birds<\/p>\n Report increased mosquito activity, unmaintained green swimming pools and other mosquito-breeding sources.Report dead crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls to the County Vector Control Program by calling (858) 694-2888 or emailing vector@sdcounty.ca.gov<\/a>. <\/p>\n To reduce mosquito activity in the San Carlos area, the County\u2019s Vector Control Program is inspecting and treating sites and conducting follow-up trapping. The County continues to provide mosquito inspections to residents and ongoing monitoring countywide.<\/p>\n West Nile virus spreads when certain mosquito species bite infected birds and then bite people. Some people who are infected may experience mild symptoms including headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, or swollen glands. In rare cases, the virus can lead to severe illness or death.<\/p>\n