WEST-NILE VIRUS HITS HILLCREST

Hillcrest -- The West-Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected on the eastern border of Hillcrest, near Park & University Avenues, according to the San Diego Vector Control Program of the county's Department of Environmental Health.
Residents are being notified by direct mail "as a precautionary measure," says Kerry McNeill, Vector Control Program Manager for the county (858) 694-2888.
"West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes," the county's notice says.
"The symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands. About one in 150 people infected develop more serious symptoms.
"If you think you have symptoms of West-Nile virus, contact your health-care provided quickly.
"The best protection against WNV is to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding.
"Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in as little as a quarter-inch of standing water. Look for and remove standing water on your property," the county's mailed warning says.
The county's WNV website is www.SDFightTheBite.com or call (858) 551-4636.
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Copyright, 2008, by journalist Leo E. Laurence leopowerhere@msn.com (619) 757-4909