Five people have died and 30 people have either tested positive or may have West Nile virus in San Diego, county health officials said.
Twenty-seven of the 30 people infected are considered confirmed cases of West Nile virus. Of those 27 people, four have died including a 62-year-old San Diego man who died on Oct. 15.
Three others are considered probable cases by state health offiicals, including one person who died.
The County has counted 303 dead birds infected, nine sentinel chickens and 45 batches of infected mosquitoes infected with the virus.
At the start of September, San Diego had only one confirmed human case of the virus.
County officials urge people to prevent mosquito breeding by dumping still water outside the house. Mosquito fish, which are available for free from the Environmental Health Vector Control Program, can be used in backyard water sources to control mosquito breeding.
They also remind people to stay inside when mosquitoes are most active – from dusk until dawn – and to wear long sleeves and pants or use repellant. Residents should report dead birds or green swimming pools to the Environmental Health Vector Control Program.
Local
The disease reached its peak in 2008, when 37 cases were reported in the County.
Statewide at least 18 people have died this year of the virus.
