A dead American Crow found in La Mesa has tested positive for West Nile Virus, raising health concerns in San Diego County. This is the first instance of a dead bird with the virus being detected in the county this year, according to County News Center. Although there have been no reported human cases of locally contracted West Nile Virus in 2023, the discovery is a reminder of the potentially deadly threat that the virus poses to residents.
In 2015, 44 San Diego County residents tested positive for the virus, and six died as a result. West Nile Virus is mainly a bird disease, but it can also be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. The primary vector of the virus in San Diego County is the native Culex mosquito, though the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito is also capable of transmitting the disease.
While most people who contract the virus experience only mild symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, or swollen glands, the virus can be fatal in some cases. Therefore, county officials urge residents to follow the "Prevent, Protect, Report" guidelines to protect themselves and their communities from the disease.
Firstly, residents should focus on preventing mosquito breeding by dumping out or removing any items that can hold standing water, both indoors and outdoors. This includes plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires, and wheelbarrows. County officials also encourage the use of mosquito fish in stagnant water sources such as pools and ponds in order to control mosquito breeding. The fish are available for free from the Vector Control Program.
Protecting oneself from mosquito bites is the second aspect of the county's guidelines. This can be done by wearing long sleeves and pants or using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Additionally, residents should ensure their window screens are in good condition and securely fastened to keep insects out.
Finally, it is essential for residents to report any increase in mosquito activity, stagnant green swimming pools, and other potential mosquito breeding sources. Environmental health officials also encourage reporting sightings of dead birds such as crows, ravens, jays, hawks, and owls. These reports can be made by calling (858) 694-2888 or emailing [email protected]. La Mesa residents can also visit the county's "Fight the Bite" website for more preventive measures and information on the virus.
While focusing on West Nile Virus, it is also important to be aware of other mosquito-borne diseases, such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika. These diseases can be transmitted by invasive Aedes mosquitoes if they bite an infected person first, before biting anyone else. By following the "Prevent, Protect, Report" guidelines, residents can reduce the risk of contracting these diseases as well.
