Do not stir up dust or materials that may be contaminated with rodent droppings and urine. Now is a good time to use caution while opening up cabins that have been closed for the winter.

San Diego County residents, especially those in the North County where most of the infected birds have been found, need to take personal protection measures.

Although there has been very little rain so far this winter, mosquito prevention remains the key to preventing West Nile virus. By controlling mosquitoes now, we can reduce their populations in spring and summer.

The Vector Control program is now taking to the air to detect mosquito-breeding sites. …We conducted aerial surveys of Fallbrook, El Cajon and Alpine using the sheriff's helicopter. We identified numerous ponds and backyard swimming pools that are likely breeding mosquitoes, which we will investigate and treat as soon as possible.

It is early in the season to detect West Nile virus.