In San Diego County, two more West Nile virus cases have been reported, the total number of infections thus being brought up to three.

According to health officials, a 38-year-old woman from Carlsbad and a 58-year-old woman from Del Mar had to be hospitalized about two weeks ago after having developed meningitis. The third case, of a 24-year-old man, was announced by county health officials on July 22.

Last year, 15 cases of West Nile virus have been reported. However, as they spread over three months, until October, the three people identified so far may only represent the beginning of the West Nile virus situation for San Diego.

On Thursday, the state Department of Public Health said it had found the virus in mosquitoes in Barnstable, Malden, Raynham, Watertown and West Roxbury and also in birds in Dedham, Haverhill, Needham, Sudbury and Whitman.

According to Eric Badger, Whitman Health Agent, Plymouth County Mosquito Control is currently working alongside Whitman for putting together a spraying plan. Residents were recommended to drain standing waters wherever possible and to immediatly report dead birds at 1-866-MASS-WNV. People were also advised to be sure to cover up or spray lots of DEET-containing repellant whenever they go outside in the morning or during the evening.

Eastern Contra Costa County has been trying a different approach as well: it has built a mosquito fish aquarium, with the help of which stagnant waters are populated. One such fish can consume up to 500 larvae a day.