County Confirms First Human Case of Travel-Related West Nile Virus of 2024

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County public health officials report that a 71-year-old man tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first human case of West Nile virus reported in the county this year.

The man is currently hospitalized and had recently traveled to rural Colorado, where he likely contracted the virus.

While this case is not thought to have been contracted in San Diego County, West Nile virus is present here as well, though rare.Earlier this month, a dead bird found in the Clairemont area of San Diego tested positive for West Nile. The most recent human case of West Nile virus in the county was in 2022.

West Nile virus is mainly a bird disease but can be transmitted to people by some species of local mosquitoes that first feed on an infected bird or animal and then a bite a person.

Eighty percent of people who get West Nile virus do not have any symptoms. About one in five people who are infected get a fever and other symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands. For about 1 out of 150 infected people, West Nile virus can cause serious illness and may be fatal.

Community members can follow the County's Prevent, Protect and Report guidelines to help keep themselves and their families healthy. These guidelines help protect against the Culexmosquitoes that carry West Nile virus as well as the ankle-biting invasive Aedesmosquitoes that can transmit other diseases, including Zika, dengue and chikungunya, if they first bite an infected person and then bite someone else.

Prevent mosquito breeding

Dump out or remove any item inside or outside of homes that can hold water, such as plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires, and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish, available for free by contacting the Vector Control Program, may be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources such as unused swimming pools, ponds, fountains and horse troughs.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites

Protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses by wearing long sleeves and pants or use repellent when outdoors. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition and secured to keep insects out.

Report possible mosquito activity

Report increased mosquito activity, or neglected, green swimming pools and other mosquito-breeding sources, as well as dead birds - dead crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls - to Environmental Health's Vector Control Programby calling (858) 694-2888 or emailing [email protected].

For more information about mosquito-borne illnesses, go to San Diego County's "Fight the Bite" website.

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