Two more positive West Nile samples detected in the Coachella Valley
Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reported two more West Nile positive samples this week.
One sample came from a trap outside of Desert Hot Springs near the corner of Bubbling Wells Road and 18th Avenue. The other sample came from a trap near Cook Street and Merle Drive in Palm Desert. Both samples were the first time virus activity was detected in those areas since August.
Earlier this week the Northwest Mosquito & Vector Control District conducted “ultra-low volume” spraying of several dozen streets in Corona in an attempt to eradicate mosquito infestations and prevent the spread of West Nile virus.
Two residents of western Riverside County have died from complications related to West Nile virus in the last two months. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Countywide, 23 people have been infected with WNV. In 2014, 14 human WNV cases were recorded by the county Department of Public Health.
CVMVCD reported “This brings the total number of WNV-positive mosquito samples this year in the Coachella Valley to 96, making it the second highest number of positive samples detected in the Valley in the last decade. There were 110 positive samples detected at the same time in 2012. Thirty five mosquito samples have tested positive for Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLE) this year, making 2015 the highest year in virus activity in a decade. All samples were tested at the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District lab.”
The district offered the following tips 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 percent or less on older children. Lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on children under 3 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.
There has been one human case in the Coachella Valley this year. In the Coachella Valley, contact the District at (760) 342-8287 or (888) 343-9399 to report mosquito problems, request mosquito fish, report neglected pools or standing water where mosquitoes breed, and report dead birds.
