West Nile virus detected in City Heights and Skyline mosquitoes

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)-- Mosquitoes recently collected from the City Heights and Skyline areas in San Diego County have tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to a report released Monday from the County of San Diego.

The virus, which is considered potentially deadly, was previously detected in mosquitoes throughout Rolando and La Mesa in July, according to the report. There was also a group of the insects that tested positive for the virus in Imperial County in July.

The County's Vector Control Program aims to reduce the mosquito activity in City Heights and Skyline by continuing to inspect and treat mosquito breeding sites in the area and subsequently conducting follow-up trapping in the regions.

While the number of mosquitoes has reportedly decreased in La Mesa and Rolando since June, the County Vector Control continues to monitor the situation and offer inspections and aid to help reduce breeding.

The West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans by several types of mosquitoes, especially if the insect has fed on an infected bird and then bites a person, according to the report.

While there have been no reported human cases of the virus in San Diego County in the last year, symptoms of the virus could include headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, or swollen glands, and in rare cases, people can become extremely ill and may die.

The County is encouraging residents to use the “Prevent, Protect, Report” guidelines to keep mosquito breeding at bay.

You can report possible mosquito-breeding sources, such as unmaintained green swimming pools, to the County Vector Control Program at 858-694-2888.