Carlsbad woman has West Nile

A 70-year-old Carlsbad woman contracted West Nile virus while in the Los Angeles area, county health officials announced today.

The woman was hospitalized with West Nile virus-related encephalitis and is now recuperating at home, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

So far, 11 people in San Diego County have tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease, including two Del Mar residents, according to the HHSA.

A total of 15 people tested positive for West Nile virus locally last year.

“One year ago today, we reported our first human case of West Nile virus in 2007,’’ said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the county’s deputy public health officer. The disease has gotten to an early start, and we have many weeks of warm weather, and mosquito activity ahead.’’

Sidelinger urged San Diego county residents to take steps to protect against West Nile virus, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors and ensuring screens are tightly secured.