SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— There have been 19 cases of West Nile virus in the state this year, including Santa Clara and Contra Costa counties. The San Francisco Health Department is now asking the public’s help in preventing the spread of mosquitoes that may carry the virus. Nader Shatara, the head of Vector Control for the San Francisco Health Department, said residents should beware of standing water where mosquitoes breed.

“If you see anything wiggling around in water, it’s probably a mosquito larva,” he said.

He said any place where water accumulates should be eliminated to keep mosquitoes at bay. Last year there were five West Nile virus deaths in the state but none so far this year.

KCBS’ Barbara Taylor Reports:

West Nile Virus is carried by mosquitoes that were first detected in Southern California in 2002. Dr. Vicki Kramer of the State Department of Health said they quickly spread around the state.

“We’ve had about 3,000 West Nile virus cases detected, and about 100 people have died from this virus,” she said.

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