Crow In La Mesa Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

LA MESA, CA — A dead American Crow found in eastern San Diego County tested positive for West Nile virus, prompting county environmental health officials to remind people to protect themselves from mosquitoes that can transmit the virus to people.

The crow found in La Mesa was the first dead bird to test positive for the virus this year in San Diego County, according to county officials. No locally contracted human West Nile virus cases have been reported.

In 2015, 44 county residents tested positive for West Nile virus and six residents died.

County officials said people should continue to follow "Prevent, Protect, Report" guidelines, including finding and dumping out standing water around homes to keep mosquitoes from breeding.

West Nile virus "is mainly a bird disease, but it can be transmitted to humans by a number of species of mosquitoes if they feed off an infected animal, mainly birds, and then bite people," according to the county.

Symptoms are typically mild and include headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands. In rare cases, the virus can make people extremely ill and be deadly.

In addition to dumping out standing water, county officials recommend residents wear long sleeves and pants or use insect repellent when outdoors. Residents were asked to report increased mosquito activity or dead birds to environmental health's Vector Control Program at 858-694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.