Dead crows found in San Diego and Lemon Grove this week tested positive for the West Nile virus, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health reported Friday.
They’re the second and third dead crows to have been discovered with the disease in the region over the past few weeks.
West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes, so county authorities reminded the public to take simple steps to protect themselves.
“With West Nile virus season officially here, everyone needs to remember that we all play a part in protecting ourselves,” said DEH Director Elizabeth Pozzebon. “Eliminate standing water inside and outside homes to keep mosquitoes from breeding, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs or use repellent if you’re outside, and report dead birds and mosquito breeding areas.”
Last year, 11 San Diegans contracted West Nile virus and two died. While the disease has been prevalent in the state and other areas of the U.S. in recent years, San Diego County had largely avoided human cases until 2014.
No human cases have been reported yet this year in San Diego County, according to the DEH. The California Department of Public Health has not reported any human cases statewide.
The DEH’s annual aerial larvicide spraying program is due to begin Wednesday. The larvicide will be dropped from helicopters onto 48 ponds, rivers and wetlands every three to four weeks through October.
— City News Service
