NOTE: The video above provides tips on how to deal with mosquitoes and fleas
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) – The West Nile virus has been confirmed in mosquitoes for the first time since 2023 in San Diego County.
Local environmental health officials collected mosquitoes in the Rolando neighborhood that tested positive for the disease, the County of San Diego said Friday.
Although there have been no human cases of West Nile reported this year, four dead birds tested positive for the virus.
West Nile virus is a disease mainly found in birds that can be spread to humans by several types of mosquitoes if they feed on an infected bird and then bite people.
Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, or swollen glands. In rare cases, the virus can cause extreme illness or even death.
To avoid mosquitoes from gathering, the county advises to:
- Dump out or remove any item inside or outside of homes that can hold water;
- Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and pants or use insect repellent when outdoors;
- Report increased mosquito activity, unmaintained green swimming pools, and other mosquito-breeding sources, as well as dead birds — crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls — to the County Vector Control Program by calling 858-694-2888 or emailing vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.
