West Nile Virus Update: Winter’s Here, West Nile Virus Season Remains
Winter’s colder temperatures and rain have arrived. But that hasn’t closed the door on the 2015 West Nile virus season as the number of county residents who have tested positive for the disease has reached 41.
The total number of “confirmed” and “probable” human West Nile virus cases has increased from 35 in mid-November to 41 as of this week. At the same time, County environmental health officials said they are still collecting dead infected birds: 47 since Nov. 1, bringing this year’s total to 362.
Because of that, County public health and environmental health officials said people should still remember to protect themselves from mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus.
West Nile virus has been active across California this year. State officials report that 706 people have tested positive for the virus this year and 39 have died, the highest single-year total since the disease was first found here in 2003. That total includes five deaths in San Diego County.
As of Dec. 9, San Diego County officials reported:
- 38 confirmed human cases, including five previously reported deaths, and three probable human cases. (Note: the California Department of Public Health uses patient symptoms and blood and spinal fluid tests to classify West Nile virus cases as “confirmed,” “probable,” “suspected” or “not a case.” For public reporting, state public health and the County consider both “confirmed” and “probable” cases as West Nile infections.)
- Three suspected human cases with tests pending
- 362 dead infected birds recovered
- 49 batches of infected mosquitoes collected
- 12 sentinel chickens testing positive for West Nile virus
- One horse testing positive for West Nile virus
County officials reminded people to follow the County’s “Prevent, Protect, Report” guidelines.
Prevent Mosquito Breeding: Dump out or remove any item inside or outside of homes that can hold water, such as plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires, and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish, available for free by contacting the Environmental Health Vector Control Program, may be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources such as unused swimming pools, ponds, fountains and horse troughs.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites: Protect yourself from West Nile virus by staying inside when most mosquitoes are most active, at dusk and dawn. Wear long sleeves and pants or use repellent when outdoors. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition and secured to keep insects out.
Report Dead Birds and Green Swimming Pools: Report dead crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls, and green swimming pools to the Environmental Health Vector Control Program by calling (858) 694-2888 or emailing vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.
For more information about West Nile virus, go to San Diego County’s “Fight the Bite” website.