Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in La Quinta
Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in La Quinta for the first time in three years, according to Tuesday’s test results from the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
The sample was collected near Adams Street and Avenue 48. Officials said three additional mosquito samples in Indio tested positive for the virus from traps located near Avenue 48 between Big Canyon Street and Monroe Street.
The results from the La Quinta sample bring the total number of positive mosquito samples to 20 this year in the Coachella Valley, district officials said.
“We are seeing a lot of mosquitoes near the Indio and La Quinta border and have been working hard to identify where these mosquitoes are coming from,” says Jeremy Wittie, the District’s Scientific Operations Manager. “While we have found some stagnant water sources and treated them, there are still sources out there that we haven’t found and we’re asking the public to help us locate and report them so we can stop the mosquitoes from breeding and further spreading this virus.”
District staff will post disease notification signs in communities located near the traps to alert residents. Staff will also set additional traps, step up larval surveillance, and carry out larval and adult control as necessary in an effort to reduce the number of mosquitoes and interrupt further transmission of disease, according to the release.
How to protect yourself from mosquito bites:
Apply insect repellent. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on children under three years of age.
Be aware of peak mosquito hours. Dawn and dusk are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities during that time.
Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from skin.
Mosquito-proof your home. Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places for mosquitoes to breed by draining/discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools. Change water in birdbaths and pet bowls at least weekly.
Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Officials said West Nile virus is the leading cause of encephalitis in the U.S. and is transmitted to animals and humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get infected when they feed on birds carrying the virus. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will not experience any illness. Others will have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache and body aches.
However, young children, the elderly, or individuals with lowered immune systems are at greater risk of experiencing more severe symptoms when infected. Anyone with symptoms should call their doctor.
Health officials said California experienced record breaking West Nile virus activity in 2014 with 801 human cases, the second largest number of cases since the virus was first detected in the state in 2003. The highest number of fatalities attributed to the virus came in 2014 as well, with 31.
Please contact Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control at 760-342-8287 to report mosquito problems, request mosquitofish, report neglected pools or standing water where mosquitoes breed, and report dead birds.
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