SAN DIEGO -- Nineteen more dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in San Diego County, bringing the number to 93 this mosquito-breeding season, county health officials reported Thursday.

In contract, a total of only 34 positive birds tested positive for West Nile last year, according to the county Department of Environmental Health.

Most of the birds that tested positive this year were found in North County and East County.

"We know that West Nile virus is more prevalent in the county now than it's ever been before," said DEH director Gary Erbeck. "It's more important than ever that county residents take precautionary measures to avoid getting mosquito bites and acquiring the virus."

Precautionary measures include wearing insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus; wearing long sleeves and long pants when outside, especially at dawn and dusk; keeping windows and screens well- maintained; and eliminating standing water around homes.

Dead birds can be reported, and more information on West Nile virus obtained, on the county's Web site, www.SDFightTheBite.com, or by calling (888) 551-INFO (4636).