More mosquito samples test positive for West Nile in Palm Springs

At least two more mosquito samples have tested positive in Palm Springs for West Nile virus this week, bringing the total number of samples to 14 this year.

According to a news release from the Coachella Vallley Mosquito and Vector Control District, all of the mosquitoes that have tested positive for the virus were trapped in Palm Springs, and most of those were in the vicinity of Demuth Park along Mesquite Avenue.

Because of the new findings the District will conduct truck-mounted ultra-low volume applications in areas where the virus-positive mosquitoes were trapped. The treatments are scheduled for July 8-10 between 4 and 6 a.m. each morning, weather permitting.

The application will take place along the streets bordered by Vella Road, Sunny Dunes Road, Mesquite Avenue, and El Placer Road.

The District will also carry out continued truck-mounted ULV operations in the City of Coachella where an invasive mosquito species was detected in May. The city is now considered to have a large infestation of Aedes aegypti. The application will take place July 12-14 between 4 and 6 a.m., weather permitting, and will cover 580 acres in neighborhoods including 1,500 homes and buildings east and west of Harrison Street.

Aedes aegypti is capable of transmitting deadly viruses including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, viruses not currently transmitted in California by mosquitoes.

The District warns that weekly applications are likely to continue in this area throughout the summer by truck or by aerial application.

Please contact the District at (760) 342-8287 or (888) 343-9399 to report mosquito problems, request mosquitofish, report neglected pools or standing water, and report dead birds. For more information, visit us at www.cvmvcd.org