Mosquitoes carrying West Nile, Saint Louis encephalitis found in East Valley
Mosquitoes carrying two potentially deadly diseases have been found in Thermal. The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is asking people to be proactive to protect themselves from being bit.
One sample of mosquitoes trapped in Thermal tested positive for Saint Louis encephalitis virus near the intersection of Orchid and Avenue 62. The same trap caught two samples of mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first detection of Saint Louis encephalitis and West Nile this year from Thermal.
Twelve other samples tested positive for Saint Louis encephalitis in areas south of Mecca from Pierce Street east to Hayes Street and from Avenue 68 to the Salton Sea.
“Saint Louis encephalitis can be a deadly disease for folks, for most people they may experience nausea, vomiting and fever, but for some folks they could die from the disease,” said Jennifer Henke, laboratory manager for the district.
Vector control will be spraying in these areas to kill mosquito larva. People who live in the area are asked to check for standing water and wear mosquito repellent if they are going to be outside for long periods of time.
Migrating birds could be a major cause of bringing these diseases to the Coachella Valley,
“The reason we have so much virus activity is because of the birds moving through the area,” Henke said. “Saint Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus are diseases of the birds and so we are worried about them when they come moving through, the mosquitoes will bite a bird and then they could bite a person.”
So far there have been no cases of Zika virus in California, but our area has the type of mosquito that could carry the disease. Vector control is testing for that disease as well.
“We are concerned about people potentially bringing back the Zika virus especially when they go visit loved ones in another country, and if we have someone that is sick in the same area with that right mosquitoes we could have transmission here in the Coachella Valley,” Henke said.
The district released steps you can take 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 [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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 3 years of age.
Be Aware of Peak WNV-Transmitting Mosquito Hours. Dawn and dusk are peak biting times for mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities during that time. Also, be aware of day-time biting mosquitoes and report them to the District.
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, such as old tires, buckets, and empty flower pots. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty water from saucers under pots and water-holding plants such as bromeliads, and regularly change the water in root plant cuttings (both indoors and outdoors). Change water and scrub clean wading pools, birdbaths, and pet bowls at least weekly.
