West Nile Warning

San Diegans love the outdoors. Our temperate weather, beautiful landscapes, and proximity to nature's best venues draw us out - especially at this time of year. But last week the Union-Tribune reported two more cases of West Nile Virus here in San Diego County, and a recent online article posted by the County warns about the arrival of this summer's most unwanted tourists, the mosquitoes that carry this disease. These warnings shouldn't drive us all indoors, but may give us the tools we need to protect ourselves and our families.

West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Although it is potentially dangerous, only one in 150 people who are infected develop severe illness. Most at risk are the elderly and people with impaired immune systems. Eighty percent of people infected will show no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include fever, head and body aches, nausea, and swollen lymph glands. More serious indications include convulsions, disorientation, vision loss, and even coma. A local West Nile victim shared her experience here  in hopes of educating the public about the disease and its effects.

The County's West Nile Virus website gives information on the Vector Control Program's monthly larviside applications at area parks and open spaces where mosquitos are known to breed, as well as listing ways we can protect ourselves against the disease. The first thing homeowners can do, as touched on here in a previous post, is to inspect yard areas for mosquito breeding sources. Drain standing water in unused pools, buckets, flowerpots, bird baths, etc. You  might be surprised at the sources in your own backyard. Make sure windows and doors are properly screened, and that the screens are in good repair. If you have an ornamental pond, consider stocking it with Gambusia, or Mosquito Fish. The County advises we limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, use insect repellant, and avoid sleeping outdoors unprotected when camping. Vector Control also encourages county residents to report dead birds. For more information on the Vector Control program, call (858)694-2888 or visit the California West Nile Virus Website.