Overview: West Nile
San Diego State University adjunct assistant professor of public health Mahmood Nikbakhtzadeh said that West Nile is a vector-borne illness that mostly spreads among specific bird populations. By feeding on these infected birds, mosquitoes can spread the virus to people.
This week, San Diego County sprayed pesticides in areas throughout San Diego and La Mesa as part of ongoing efforts to lower the risk of disease.
The West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes captured during routine surveillance in Rolando last month.
According to county communications officer Donna Durckel, these mosquitoes are the first to test positive for the virus in the county since 2023.
According to a county press statement, four deceased birds have tested positive so far this year, but no human illnesses have been detected.
According to Durckel, health officials place mosquito traps throughout the county on a yearly basis to keep an eye on population sizes and conduct disease tests.
A follow-up test they performed after capturing virus-carrying mosquitoes at the end of June revealed additional infected insects in the region.
In order to assist stop the virus from spreading, the county must spray for adult mosquitoes.
We would still take action, Durckel stated, even if only one mosquito tested positive.
Wednesday through Friday, from 1 to 6 a.m., the county’s Vector Control Program applied pesticide mists.
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The EPA-approved pesticide AquaDuet, which is considered low-risk for humans, pets, and the environment, was sprayed by trucks.
The press announcement stated that officials wanted to lower the number of adult mosquitoes on about 4,000 plots in Rolando, which also included La Mesa.
San Diego State University adjunct assistant professor of public health Mahmood Nikbakhtzadeh says that West Nile is a vector-borne illness that mostly spreads among specific bird populations.
By feeding on these infected birds, mosquitoes can spread the virus to people.
Nikbakhtzadeh claims that while the majority of people may not have any symptoms, a small percentage may experience brief headaches, body pains, joint discomfort, and other symptoms that resemble the common cold.
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He pointed out that between 5–7% of people infected with the virus could develop Meningoencephalitis, a potentially lethal illness that causes inflammation in certain areas of the brain and surrounding membranes.
By adhering to the Prevent, Protect, Report standards, county officials encourage citizens to take proactive measures to lower mosquito threats.
In order to stop mosquitoes from breeding, standing water around homes must be cleaned up.
Additionally, residents are urged to use bug repellents and other precautions to keep themselves safe from bites.
The public can also report dead birds to the County Vector Control Program, along with other mosquito-breading grounds and unmaintained water supplies.
