West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes In Santee

From the Santee Patch
July 18, 2018

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – West Nile virus made its first appearance of the summer in San Diego County this week when a batch of mosquitoes in Santee tested positive for the viral infection, county officials announced Wednesday.

West Nile virus mainly affects birds, but it can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that feed off an infected animal and then bite people.

Officials said West Nile virus has been present in San Diego County since 2003. However, no people or birds — the main carriers of West Nile virus — have tested positive for the virus in the county this year.

Only about 20 percent of people who get infected with West Nile virus suffer any symptoms, though it can be deadly in rare cases. Symptoms are typically mild, including headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands.

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