Play all audios:
The three cases of West Nile virus in San Diego County so far this year is a far cry from the number of cases in Orange County and the state as a whole, the county Department of
Environmental Health reported Monday. The three human infections locally is the most in five years, according to the DEH. West Nile virus, a potentially fatal illness passed to humans by
mosquitoes, is found in the warmer months, generally through October. By comparison, 157 WNV cases have been reported in Orange County, 87 in Los Angeles County and 428 statewide, the DEH
said. “People need to remember to use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants if they’re out at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and to clear their yards of
standing water where mosquitoes can breed,” said DEH Director Elizabeth Pozzebon. The infected in San Diego County were a 73-year-old La Mesa man and a 44-year-old El Cajon woman who became
ill but recovered, health officials said. A 43-year-old man from Santee suffered no symptoms; his infection was detected when he tried to give blood. County officials said they have found 21
dead birds infected with the disease — a dozen since the end of August — and two batches of mosquitoes that tested positive. Of those who become infected with West Nile virus, 80 percent
will have no symptoms, according to county health officials. About one in five people who are infected will develop only a mild illness that includes a headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin
rash or swollen glands. One in 150 will suffer serious neurologic complications that can become life-threatening. The risk of complications increases for those over age 50, and for people
with weakened immune systems. County officials urged people to prevent mosquito breeding by draining or removing backyard items that can hold water, such as plant saucers, rain gutters,
buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish, available for free from county Vector Control, can be used to control breeding of the insect in water sources such as
neglected swimming pools, ponds, fountains and water troughs. Window and door screens should also be checked to make sure they are in good condition and secured. Dead crows, ravens, jays,
hawks and owls that don’t show an obvious cause of death can be reported to Vector Control at (858) 694-2888. Vector Control also will take reports on neglected swimming pools, which
mosquitoes use for breeding. — _City News Service_