The number of county residents who have tested positive for West Nile Virus has reached 41 as of Dec. 13, county officials announced.
That number includes five previously reported deaths.
In comparison, there were 13 positive human cases of West Nile Virus in San Diego County last year.
So far this year San Diego County environmental health officials have collected 362 dead infected birds and 49 batches of infected mosquitoes. That's more than eight times the number of birds found in 2014. Last year, 41 birds and six mosquito pools were found, according to county officials.
Twelve chickens and one horse have also tested positive for the virus this year, officials said.
Homeowners can help prevent West Nile virus by dumping any excess water that collects in buckets, garbage cans, old tires or plant saucers.
Anyone can report a dead bird or a green swimming pool to the county by calling (858) 694-2888 or emailing vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.
At the start of September, San Diego had only one confirmed human case of the virus.
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County officials suggest people stay inside when mosquitoes are most active – from dusk until dawn – and wear long sleeves and pants or use repellant.
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.
