Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

New West Nile bird deaths prompt warning from county

On August 30, County Vector Control officials announced that 20 more dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing the total to 45 infected birds so far this year, compared to just 19 positive birds reported in 2006.

“The current heat spell, along with recent thundershowers, may increase mosquito breeding throughout the county,” said Gary Erbeck, Director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “To prevent mosquito breeding, the county is using a helicopter to apply larvicide to 42 key breeding sites every month, and Vector Control technicians are hand-treating more than 1,800 breeding sites.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. One human case was discovered in San Diego County, but the person was visiting from Los Angeles County and did not get the virus here. A total of 164 cases have been reported in California.

Residents can protect themselves by draining or treating any sources of standing water outside of their homes where mosquitoes may breed, such as fountains, ponds and horse troughs. The county provides free mosquito-eating fish at several locations.

The public is also asked to report any neglected “green” swimming pools to Vector Control to inspect for mosquito breeding. Other prevention tips include:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants when outside, especially at dawn and dusk, and board horses during those hours.

• Wear insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

• Maintain windows and screens to keep mosquitoes from entering the home.

To find out how to report mosquito breeding sites and dead birds, where to get mosquito-eating fish and additional information about West Nile virus, visit the county’s Web site at http://www.SDFightTheBite.com or call (888) 551-INFO (4636).

 

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