Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus at Los Peñasquitos Lagoon
By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA– A group of mosquitoes collected from the north end of Los Peñasquitos Lagoon has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, county environmental health officials said.
West Nile Virus is considered a bird’s disease. However, County health officials say it’s the first sign the disease is found in mosquitoes this year.
The virus can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes if they feed off an infected bird. In San Diego County, there are no reported cases of the virus transmitted to humans, county health officials said.
If an individual becomes infected with the West Nile Virus, they can experience mild symptoms including a headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, or swollen glands. But in rare cases, the virus can cause severe illness and even death. In 2015, 44 San Diego County residents tested positive for West Nile virus and six county residents died.
“Mosquitoes live and breed near people, in yards, and inside homes. Some invasive types can potentially transmit diseases not naturally found here including chikungunya, dengue, and Zika — but only if they first bite an infected person,’ County officials said.
County officials urge residents to 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 Vector Control Program, may be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources such as stagnant swimming pools, ponds, fountains, and horse troughs.
Residents can protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses by wearing long sleeves and pants or using insect repellent when outdoors. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Also, check screens on windows and doors are in good condition and secured to keep insects out.
