REGION: Officials confirm first human case of West Nile in county this year
By North County Times wire services | ∞
SAN DIEGO - A 24-year-old man, who was hospitalized with swelling of the brain, became the first San Diego County resident diagnosed with West Nile virus this year, public health officials said today.
The man, whose name was withheld, was hospitalized with encephalitis after developing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.
"We urge the public to take appropriate precautions to protect against contracting West Nile virus," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer.
Most people infected with the mosquito-borne disease do not develop any symptoms or become seriously ill, but about 20 percent do, according to the HHSA. They may suffer from headaches, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rashes or swollen glands, county health officials said. The risk of complications increases for those over 50, or those who have weakened immune systems.
Last year, 15 people in the county tested positive for West Nile virus.
The HHSA recommends that people avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. They should also use insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
According to the county Department of Environmental Health, 121 dead birds found around San Diego County have tested positive for West Nile virus this year. A horse also died after testing positive for the disease.
"We need the public's help to find mosquito breeding sites throughout the county," said Gary Erbeck, director of the county's DEH. "People should check their property weekly to eliminate any standing water sources, where mosquitoes can breed."
Dead birds can be reported, and more information on West Nile virus obtained, on the county's Web site at www.SDFightTheBite.com, or by calling (888) 551-INFO (4636).
More Stories
Advertisement
Made Complaints wrote on Jul 22, 2008 10:51 AM:& City of Oceanside has ignored each complaint for 2-feet of standing water in pool, broken & leaking water pipes that cause excess water in clay, & numerous violations of building codes.
How cute wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:42 PM:confirmed case but no indication what part of the City we should be concerned with.
The County wrote on Jul 22, 2008 5:47 PM:has known it was a matter of time before we had our first case of West Nile. What have they done to prevent it other than larvae eating fish? SPRAY SPRAY those nasty mosquitoes now. Spend some of my hard earned $$$ that you collect every year on getting rid of the problem.
FallbrookMom wrote on Jul 22, 2008 6:39 PM:They don't say specifically what symptoms prompted them to suspect West Nile. The vague symptoms listed could be seen in a variety of other illnesses. We should also know how he contracted it. Had he been camping? Traveling? or did he just get bitten while sitting on his porch? How sad and scary for his family. My condolences.
First name only. Comments including last names, contact addresses, e-mail addresses or phone numbers will be deleted. Attempts to misrepresent your identity or impersonate any person will not be approved. All comments are screened before they appear online, so please keep them brief. Comments reflect the views of those commenting and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff writers. Click here to view additional comment policies.
Today's Stories
- CHARGERS NOTES: Chambers' day ends early (2312)
- OCEANSIDE: Planners OK giant shopping center on drive-in site (2048)
- LETTERS: NCT, Oct. 6, 2008 (1646)
- MILITARY: White House mum on Marine denied Medal of Honor (1539)
- Turf's up: Despite drawbacks, artificial playing fields remain popular at local schools (1384)
Advertisement