Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in eastern Coachella Valley
Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in the eastern Coachella Valley for the first time in 2017.
The mosquitoes were collected from traps in Mecca and Thermal. The virus-positive mosquitoes were collected from two traps; on near the corner of Lincoln Street and Avenue 70, and the other near Lincoln Street and Avenue 73, according to officials with the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
According to the news release, district staff will post disease notification signs in communities located near the trap locations and will intensify mosquito surveillance with an increase in traps. Technicians will carry out larval and adult control as necessary in the surrounding area in an effort to reduce the number of mosquitoes and interrupt further transmission of the virus.
“The weather right now is ideal for mosquito production and virus transmission,” said Jennifer Henke, the District Laboratory Manager. “Unfortunately, virus-carrying mosquitoes are out looking for a blood meal right when people are enjoying the pleasant temperatures in the mornings and evenings, so people really need to protect themselves.”
Prevent mosquitoes around your home: Inspect yards for standing water sources and drain water that may have collected under potted plants, in bird baths, discarded tires, and any other items that could collect water; Check your rain gutters and lawn drains to make sure they aren’t holding water and debris; Clean and scrub bird baths and pet watering dishes weekly; Check and clean any new potted plant containers that you bring home because they may have Aedes aegypti eggs. The eggs can remain viable in dry areas for months. Prevent mosquito bites: Avoid going outside when mosquitoes are active; Apply repellents containing EPA registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label); Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active; Be sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
As of June 6, 2017, WNV has been detected in 11 counties in California, in 29 mosquito samples, 11 birds, and one person.
Please contact the CVMVCD at (760) 342-8287 or (888) 343-9399 to report mosquito problems, request mosquitofish, report neglected pools or standing water where mosquitoes breed, and report dead birds.
You can also visit the district online for more information and submit service requests.
Get the latest statewide statistics on WNV
