Thermal resident confirmed to have West Nile virus
The Coachella Valley’s first human case of West Nile virus in 2015 was confirmed by the Riverside County Department of Public Health Friday morning.
Health officials said a Thermal resident recently tested positive for the virus. This brings the county’s total to three this year, after a man and woman from western Riverside County were confirmed to have the virus on Thursday.
According to a release, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will be in the Thermal area to set additional traps, increase larval surveillance to identify mosquito breeding sources, and carry out larval and adult control as necessary in an effort to reduce the number of mosquitoes and interrupt further transmission of the virus.
“We have been detecting West Nile virus in mosquitoes since April in the Valley and working hard ever since to reduce transmission of the virus,” said Rodney Chamberlain, lead supervisor for operations at the district. “We ask people to please use repellant and cover up from early evening to early morning when mosquitoes that carry the virus frequently bite, as we continue our control efforts to protect communities.”
Health officials said West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. One in five will experience mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, and body aches. Less than one percent of individuals will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.
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 contact their health care provider.
Residents are encouraged to be careful not to create standing water sources in their yards or irrigation runoff into street drains, and to be on the lookout for standing water sources and report them to the district. Residents are also encouraged to avoid mosquito bites by following simple personal protection measures.
Tips to protect yourself:
Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk, and wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing outside
Apply EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes
Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, such as old tires, buckets, flower pots and toys that can support mosquito breeding
The Riverside County Department of Health has launched a new tool to help residents track cases of West Nile virus. Officials said the map will be updated weekly.
