More dead birds infected with West Nile virus have been found in San Diego County. It's the earliest time of the year the disease has ever been detected here. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
In January, a red-tailed hawk was found in Escondido with West Nile virus. Since then, the disease has been detected in at least five other birds in various parts of the County.
Chris Conlan is with San Diego County's vector control division. Conlan says he can't really account for the early appearance of West Nile this year.
Conlan: West Nile hasn't been here all that long, it's still a relatively new disease. And this just could be a sign of what happens after it's gotten established in an area for a while. But honestly, I don't really know."
Last year in San Diego County, 15 people became infected with West Nile virus. Statewide in 2007, the disease sickened 380 people, and killed 20.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
