September 8, 2009
County Vector Control officials announced today that two batches of mosquitoes collected in Escondido tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Additionally, another eight dead birds tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing this year’s total to four positive mosquito batches and 27 positive birds. The dead birds were found in Escondido, La Jolla, Linda Vista, Poway, Rainbow, Torrey Hills, University City and Valley Center.
“Mosquitoes do not fly far from the source of the infection,” said Gary Erbeck, Director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “It’s extremely important to pinpoint where positive cases have been found. We have sent letters to warn residents of the potential health risk that exists in their neighborhood.”
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites: You can protect yourself from WNV by staying inside when mosquitoes are most active and by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk. Use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR 3535 when you are outdoors. Keep screens on doors and windows, and make sure the screens are in good condition.
Prevent Mosquito Breeding: Backyard water sources are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Residents should dump or remove anything that can hold water, such as plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, old spare tires and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish may be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources such as unused swimming pools, ponds, fountains and horse troughs.
Report Dead Birds, Green Swimming Pools and Mosquito Breeding Sites: Please report any of these potential West Nile hazards to County Vector Control at (858)
694-2888. For more information about West Nile virus, call 1-888-551-INFO (4636) or visit www.SDFightTheBite.com.
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