It seems that the West Nile has reared its ugly head early this year, at least in San Diego.

County health officials have now confirmed that more than two dozen dead birds tested positive for West Nile virus last month in the region. So far, no humans have been infected by the disease.

Five birds were actually discovered with West Nile Virus even before the beginning of May, according to the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) for the county. The total number of birds discovered with the virus so far this year now stands at 29 and is the highest ever recorded in the state. To put that number into perspective, the county didn't find 29 birds with West Nile last year until October.

"These are signs that 2015 might be another tough year in our county for West Nile Virus, so people should remember to protect themselves and their families," DEH Director, Elizabeth Pozzebon says. "Get rid of standing water around properties where mosquitoes can breed, wear insect repellent when outdoors and report dead birds."

Last year, 11 people from San Diego contracted the West Nile Virus, and two of the patients lost their lives to the infection. In years prior, no local cases were reported. Statewide, the story is different. Across the state there were more than 800 cases diagnosed with the virus in 2014. Of that number, the virus killed 31 people. So far, no one across the state of California has caught the virus.

West Nile virus is spread to both birds and humans by mosquitoes, and the local county in San Diego already has an eradication program in place. Officials also encourage residents to do their part by dumping any pots, saucers, or anything that could hold standing water, being an ideal place for mosquitoes to breed.

Four out of every five individuals bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus won't even know they contracted it. However, others do get sick with symptoms ranging from mild to leathal, including a mild headache, fever, nausea, skin rash or swollen glands. However, it can also turn into a serious condition in 1 out of 150 cases, mainly in people 50 years old and those with weakened immune systems.

With these latest cases already diagnosed, 2015 is shaping up to be one of the worst years on record for West Nile in the area, and officials are preparing for the worst. With the increased cases in birds, it's just a matter of time before humans come down with the disease as well.