A dead crow found near Lakeside tested positive for West Nile virus, the first local case of the disease this year, county officials said Thursday.
County officials said they had taken aggressive steps in recent years to control mosquitoes, which can spread the disease that is spread through feeding on an infected bird or other animal then a person.
Two local residents were diagnosed with West Nile virus in the past three years -- one who, like most who become infected, did not become ill; and the other, who was infected while visiting Imperial County, officials said.
Authorities said last year was one of the worst on record for West Nile virus across the nation, with more than 5,000 people sickened and 286 deaths.
Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands. In rare cases, people can suffer potentially life-threatening neurologic complications.
San Diego County residents were reminded to protect themselves against the disease following the discovery of the infected crow.
"This is a good reminder that West Nile virus is here, but also that people can protect themselves by taking some simple precautions," San Diego County Department of Environmental Health Director Jack Miller said.
People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by staying indoors when the insects are most active and by wearing long sleeves and pants around dawn or dusk, by using insect repellants and by keeping screens on doors and windows.
Mosquito breeding can be prevented by emptying water sources, like plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, wheelbarrows and children's toys. Mosquito fish can be used in swimming pools, ponds, fountains and horse troughs, authorities said.
Dead birds and green swimming pools should be reported to the county's Vector Control at (858) 694-2888.
-City News Service
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