WNV is a potentially serious illness most often spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses, and some other mammals. Human WNV cases are more common in late summer and early fall but can occur in any mild climate.

Prevention

There is no vaccine or treatment for WNV infection. Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid infection:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET (look for N,N-diethyl-metatoluamide on the label) when going outdoors.
  • See Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance on How to Use Insect Repellents Safely.
• Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks, if possible.

Treating mosquito breeding sites helps prevent spread of WNV. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. It takes about 1 week for eggs to mature, so it’s important to eliminate breeding sites promptly. Dead birds may be a sign that WNV is circulating between birds and mosquitoes in an area.

Reporting

Report possible mosquito breeding sites and dead birds on UCSD property:

• Mosquito breeding sites:
  • E-mail: EH&S Pest Management, or
  • Phone: (858) 534-7513 or (858) 534-4534

• Dead birds:
  • Complete the San Diego County Environmental Health Department Vector Control Program Web form, or
  • Phone: (888) 551-4636 weekdays; (858) 565-5255 weekends and holidays

Learn more

• County of San Diego WNV Web site
• Latest WNV Activity in California, CA Department of Public Health
• WNV: What You Need to Know, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Questions? Contact EH&S Pest Management, (858) 534-7513 or (858) 534-4534.