Mosquitoes collected from the northern part of Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, close to Del Mar and parts of San Diego, have recently been found to carry the West Nile virus. This discovery has led County environmental health officials to remind people to take precautions against these mosquitoes, which can spread the virus to humans.
County authorities advise residents to continue following the "Prevent, Protect, Report" guidelines. This includes eliminating any standing water around homes to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
This finding represents the first detection of the disease in mosquitoes this year. Fortunately, there have been no reported cases of local residents contracting the West Nile virus.
Symptoms of West Nile virus in infected individuals are usually mild, such as headaches, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rashes, or swollen glands. However, in rare cases, the virus can cause severe illness and even be fatal. In 2015, there were 44 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in San Diego County, resulting in six deaths.
While West Nile virus primarily affects birds, local mosquitoes can transmit it to humans if they first feed on an infected animal, typically birds, and then bite people.
Protecting against mosquitoes is consistently important in San Diego County, as mosquitoes tend to thrive in proximity to humans, including yards and homes. Some invasive mosquito species can potentially carry diseases not usually found in the region, such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, but only if they first bite an infected person. It's crucial for residents to be vigilant and take steps to minimize mosquito-related health risks.
To stay safe, follow the County's "Prevent, Protect, Report" guidelines:
1. Prevent Mosquito Breeding: Get rid of any standing water around your home where mosquitoes can lay eggs. This includes things like plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, and old tires. You can also use mosquito fish to control breeding in things like swimming pools and ponds.
2. Protect Yourself: When you're outside, wear long sleeves and pants, or use insect repellent. Make sure your window and door screens are in good condition to keep mosquitoes out.
3. Report Mosquito Activity and Dead Birds: If you see a lot of mosquitoes or stagnant green pools, or if you find dead birds like crows, ravens, jays, hawks, or owls, report it to the Vector Control Program by calling (858) 694-2888 or emailing vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Remember, mosquitoes in San Diego County can carry diseases like West Nile, chikungunya, dengue, and Zika. So, it's important to protect yourself and prevent mosquito breeding around your home. You can learn more about this on San Diego County's "Fight the Bite" website at SDFightTheBite.com.
