REGION: West Nile strikes two North County residents

By North County Times | Tuesday, December 2, 2008 6:02 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO COUNTY ---- Two North County residents are the latest reported victims of West Nile virus, county health officials said Tuesday.

Between Nov. 23 and Dec. 1, a 46-year-old Escondido man was diagnosed with meningitis and an 80-year-old Poway woman was diagnosed with encephalitis, said Leslie Ridgeway of the county's Health and Human Services Agency.

Both patients were hospitalized; the Escondido man has been released, Ridgeway said.

So far this year, 34 county residents have been diagnosed with the mosquito-borne virus, she said. That's up from 15 human cases in 2007. Most people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms or become seriously ill.

A record number of dead birds also have tested positive for the virus, according to county statistics. The total for 2008 is 361 birds.

Stagnant water provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes and should be eliminated or reported, county officials said.

People can avoid bites by wearing protective clothing and insect repellent when outdoors, particularly at dawn or dusk when the insects are most active.

To report dead birds or mosquito-breeding sites, call the county's West Nile virus information line at (888) 551-INFO or visit the county's Web site at www.sdfightthebite.com.

Next Previous

More Stories

Tags: NCT News Local Regional

Bookmark and Share

Ads by Yahoo!

Advertisement

Pre-Registration Comments[-]Go to Top

RG wrote on Dec 2, 2008 6:35 PM:Too bad there isn't a season on crow.

Karl wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:54 PM:RG
[-] wrote on Dec 2, 2008 6:35 PM:Too bad there isn't a season on crow.

There is open season in my backyard!

Peace

The counties wrote on Dec 3, 2008 5:58 AM:The no spray policy seems to be the problem. Instead people are supposed to put mosquito eating fish in their ponds, pool, fountains. Doesn't seem to work does it? Last time I checked my bloated tax bill I was paying to have these vectors removed. Maybe the County needs to review its policies. We don't seem to be getting the results for our buck if people are getting ill. They would rather spend the people's money on fruit fly removal instead of the mosquito.

crashd wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:05 AM:There is a season on crow. I believe it just opened, though I am not sure it extends in to SD County. But, if they are a problem, go for it! Who's gonna miss a few crows out of a bourgening population?

Safety Monitor wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:23 AM:Don't forget to check your window screens for small holes and misfit sizes. Mosquitos can sneak in your house that way. I learned the hard way.

Janet wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:56 AM:People can easily prevent mosquito breeding in fountains and ponds by using Fountec. It is not toxic to birds and other wildlife, but can't be used if there are fish in the pond. You can't kill all the crows, ravens and jays in the area, and it is a $10K fine if you do. How about everybody being responsible and cleaning up any standing water?

Registered Comments[-]Go to Top

Advertisement

Videos