More batches of West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes have been collected by San Diego County’s vector control program by the second week of July than all of 2015, according to San Diego County's vector control program.
While no one in the state of California has tested positive for West Nile virus this year, County environmental health officials remind people to be vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquitoes and the virus, based on the sheer numbers that have been collected.
Officials have already collected 53 batches of mosquitoes with the virus in July, compared to 49 in all of 2015.
Last year in San Diego County, 44 people tested positive for West Nile virus and six died. Statewide, 753 people tested positive and 53 people died.
The increased number of mosquito batches collected this year might be skewed slightly higher because vector control conducted several repeat tests in May of an outbreak at Peñasquitos Lagoon, County officials said.
In addition to the mosquito batches, 132 dead birds and a horse have also tested positive for the virus, vector control reported.
While there is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, there is one for horses. County officials urged horse owners to ask their veterinarians about getting their animals vaccinated.
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County officials asked people to prevent mosquito breeding sites by dumping out and cleaning containers that hold water inside and outside homes; to protect themselves by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent and making sure window screens are secure; and to report if they are bitten by a mosquito during daylight hours or if they find mosquitoes that fit the description of the yellow-fever or Asian tiger mosquito.
People can contact the Vector Control Program at (858) 694-2888 or at vector@sdcounty.gov.
