Mosquito Tests Positive For West Nile In Coachella Valley

Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District crews are working hard to get rid of mosquitos using standing water as breeding ground. The State’s only West Nile infected mosquitoes have been reported in Riverside and San Bernardino. Mosquitoes get West Nile by biting and sucking blood out of infected birds and squirrels. So far no humans have tested positive for West Nile.

Jeremy Wittie with the District says, “Especially in the Valley we’ve seeing higher than typical rain, we’ve even seen a rise in the ground water.” Standing water is where mosquitoes breed most. Crews are using larvicide to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes.

Most individuals infected with West Nile will not experience any illnesses. Some may have only mild symptoms, such as fever, headache and body aches.

To reduce your chances of getting West Nile experts say limit your exposure during dusk and dawn and use DEET repellent when outside.

You can help the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District fight West Nile. Get rid of all standing water where mosquitoes might breed. If you see a bird or squirrel that appears to have been dead for less than 48 hours and doesn’t appear to have been injured, call the State’s West Nile virus hot line 1-877-968-2473.