Vector Control steps up eradication measures after Valley woman contracts Zika

A Coachella Valley woman has been infected with the Zika virus after traveling to Guatemala.

Vector Control says it has been following the proper protocol and are stepping up preventative measures to protect the Valley. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is capable of carrying Zika has only been found in the city of Coachella, but they’ve expanded eradication efforts in Cathedral City and Palm Springs because of the confirmed Zika case.

“In that area we’re setting extra mosquito traps. We’ve gone to all areas that we know about mosquito breeding. The final thing were doing is door to door knocking to ask residents if we can take a look around, help them get rid of any standing water and treating mosquitoes,” said Jennifer A. Henke, M.S, interim laboratory manager for the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

We talked to Dr. Petrie, a Zika specialist who says the chances of someone contracting Zika from the infected woman is very low.

It should also be noted that the Valley woman contracted with Zika must be bitten by an Aedes aegypti mosquito in order for the mosquito to transmit the disease to other people.

If you have been bitten by a mosquito or have traveled to countries with local Zika transmissions, Petrie says to look out for symptoms like; red eyes, flu-like symptoms, and joint soreness.

Vector Control suggests that people use mosquito repellent daily and to continue to get rid of standing bodies of water near their homes.