Two birds in San Diego County test positive for West Nile virus
LEMON GROVE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego County officials say two dead crows found in Lemon Grove tested positive for West Nile virus.
It marks first time this year that the virus has been detected in San Diego County.
The two crows were collected during routine monitoring, according to the county.
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The West Nile virus mainly affects birds, but humans may get infected with the disease if they are bitten by mosquitoes that previously fed on an diseased bird.
Symptoms in humans include headaches, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands, according to health officials. Infection could also lead to death in rare cases.
The best way to avoid becoming infected with West Nile virus is to protect oneself against mosquitoes, according to the county.
This includes dumping out water collected around homes to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and wearing long sleeves and pants or using insect repellent while spending time outdoors.
Insect repellent should contain DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535, health officials say.
Plus, people should also secure their screens on windows and doors to keep insects away, according to the county. Other tips can be found on the county website.
Increased mosquito sightings, unmaintained swimming pools and dead birds may be reported to the County Vector Control Program at (858) 694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.
The county says no human cases of West Nile have been reported so far this year.
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