West Nile found in dead crows in Carlsbad and Ramona

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Two dead American crows, found in Carlsbad and Ramona,
have tested positive for the West Nile virus, the San Diego County Department
of Environmental Health reported Thursday.

The discovery comes after the first positive West Nile virus find of the
year two weeks ago of an American crow in Lakeside, the DEH said.

The agency said the positive tests serve as a reminder that the public
should take precautions against West Nile Virus, which can be transmitted to
humans by mosquitoes.

The United States was hit hard by West Nile last year, with 5,000 people
getting sick, 286 fatally.

San Diego had just one dead bird found with the disease, according to
the DEH. The agency said only one person in the region has tested positive for
WNV over the past three years and didn't get sick.

“People can protect themselves by taking some simple precautions,”
said Jack Miller, the department director. “The big things to remember are to
use bug sprays to keep mosquitoes away — wear long sleeves and pants if you're
going to be outside at dusk when mosquitoes feed, and make sure your yard isn't
a mosquito breeding ground.”

Residents should clear standing water on their property and check inside
discarded tires, where water can collect. Water can be used as a breeding
ground for mosquitoes.

Dead birds, pools of stagnant water and neglected swimming pools should
be reported to County Vector Control at (858) 694-2888.

The DEH said eight of 10 people who become infected with West Nile virus
will not suffer symptoms.

Most people who do get sick will suffer mild symptoms, including
headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands.

In rare cases — typically, the disease is most dangerous to the very
young or very old, or those with compromised immune responses — people can
suffer life-threatening neurological complications.