Mosquitoes capable of transmitting Zika virus found in Coachella
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Monday that mosquitoes capable of transmitting Zika virus have been detected in the city of Coachella.
Coachella Valley Mosquito Vector Control District online
The mosquitoes were detected near the intersection of Calle Camacho and Calle Rojo. The California Department of Health made the identification. This is the first detection of the Aedes aegypti mosquito in the Coachella Valley.
Jill Oviatt, a spokesperson for CVMVCD, said there are no signs of virus in the Coachella Valley yet. She said the district has already been preparing for the potential spread of Zika virus locally.
Crews will be carrying out inspections within an 1/8 mile of the detection area beginning Tuesday morning. They will be checking with residents and surveying water sources where mosquitoes may breed.
You can call the district to schedule an appointment if you’re in the area: 760-541-2079. But crews will be monitoring all homes in the immediate area.
These invasive mosquito species have been found in other areas of California and in Arizona, in some cases bordering communities of the Coachella Valley.
How you can help prevent invasive Aedes:
Please report black and white daytime biting mosquitoes by calling (760) 342-8287 or report them online by submitting a Service Request. Some local mosquito species do bite during the day; however they may not be invasive species. Please report all daytime mosquito biting activity so field staff may conduct an inspection.
Dump and drain standing water in bird baths, buckets, plant saucers, tires, outside toys, and other containers.
According to a release from the CVMVCD, several factors are necessary for Zika virus to become a significant health threat. First, an invasive mosquito capable of transmitting Zika virus would need to be introduced and established.
Secondly, a person who has contracted Zika virus and is currently infectious to mosquitoes would have to be bitten by one of these invasive mosquitoes, officials said.
