West Nile virus confirmed in crow found dead
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — An American crow found dead in the Clairemont area is the first dead bird to test positive for West Nile virus this summer in San Diego County, local health officials said Friday.
West Nile virus . a mainly bird disease that can be transmitted to humans from mosquitoes that have fed on an infected bird, has the potential to be deadly. There have been no reported West Nile Virus human cases this year, according to the County of San Diego.
Symptoms that can occur from the virus include headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands, or could even cause death in some rare cases.
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County health officials advise the public to protect themselves from mosquitoes with the following tips:
Wearing long sleeves and pants;
Using insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535 when outdoors;
Making sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition and secured to keep insects out;
Dump out or remove any item inside or outside of homes that can hold water;
Contact the Vector Control Program to use mosquitofish to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources like stagnant swimming pools, ponds, fountains and horse troughs.
Six county residents died from West Nile virus in 2015, while 44 tested positive, per the county.
Those who want to report increased mosquito activity or mosquito-breeding sources to vector control can do so at 858-694-2888 or email .
