A dead crow found in El Cajon tested positive for West Nile virus, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health announced today.
It was the first case of the mosquito-borne disease detected in a bird this year, according to the DEH.
"As we enter the summer season, this is a good reminder that West Nile virus is here and it is preventable," said Jack Miller, director of the county DEH.
"We want to remind residents of the potential health risks that exist and to take personal precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites," he said.
Residents can protect themselves from West Nile virus by staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors and using repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535.
