West Nile high

County vector control inspectors have now collected as many mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus as were collected all of last year, according to the Department of Environmental Health. This year could be a tough one for the potentially fatal disease in the county.

The number of dead birds testing positive with West Nile virus rose sharply in May, from 5 to 29, and continues to rise, says the department. The number has gone up to 33, by far the highest of any California county. San Diego didn't reach that level until November of last year.

The new batches of infected mosquitoes were collected near Jamacha, close to the Lemon Grove border. Traps were placed there because the number of infected dead birds was high.

Last year, 11 county residents were diagnosed with West Nile virus and 2 died. Statewide, 31 died of the disease.