Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Indio
A sample of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in Indio.
Officials with Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control said this is the first time since 2012 that mosquitoes have tested positive so early in the season in the Coachella Valley, when the valley had five human cases; it’s highest number of human cases since 2004’s total of seven.
The sample of mosquitoes were collected from a trap near the corner of Avenue 46 and Madison Street.
Disease notification signs will be posted in communities near the trap. District staff will intensify mosquito surveillance by increasing traps and larval control in the surrounding area, in an effort to reduce the number of mosquitoes and interrupt further transmission of disease, according to the health department’s release.
“With the warm winter we had, we are not surprised to find evidence of West Nile virus transmission so early in the season,” said Jeremy Wittie, Scientific Operations Manager. “Our team will work hard to identify mosquito breeding sources and eliminate immature mosquitoes. But there are clearly infected adult mosquitoes out there and we ask Valley residents to recognize this and take every necessary precaution to prevent mosquito bites and protect themselves from what could be a very serious disease.”
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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