1st mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in Ca. this year found in Thousand Palms

A sample of mosquitoes collected from a trap in Thousand Palms recently tested positive for West Nile virus They are the first mosquitoes in 2017 to test positive for the virus in all of California. The sample contained about 30 mosquitoes from a trap located on Varner Road between Cook Street and Monterey Avenue and the test was conducted in the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District lab.

Visit the Coachella Valley Mosquito Vector Control District for more information and to submit service requests Check out the latest statewide statistics

You can also 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.

According to the release, district staff will post disease notification signs in communities located near the trap locations and will step-up mosquito surveillance with an increase in traps. Technicians will also 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.

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.

“The wet winter and warm temperatures produced more mosquitoes than we usually have at this time of year, so it is not surprising to see virus activity,” said Jennifer Henke , the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Laboratory Manager. “This means that the virus will be active in the Valley for a long period this summer which puts people at an increased risk of getting sick.”

WNV is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are infected when they feed on birds carrying the virus. Most individuals infected with WNV will not experience any illness. Others will have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache and body aches. In severe cases, people will need to be hospitalized, and in rare cases the disease can be fatal. Young children, the elderly, or individuals with lowered immune systems are at greater risk of experiencing severe symptoms when infected. Anyone with symptoms should contact their health care provider.

In addition to the WNV-positive mosquito sample, detections of the invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti continue in Cathedral City, Coachella, Indio, and Palm Springs. This invasive mosquito species is capable of transmitting deadly viruses including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. These viruses are not currently transmitted in California by mosquitoes, but local transmission could begin if an infected traveler is bitten by one of the invasive mosquitoes in our communities.

The District is asking the public to do all they can to prevent mosquito breeding in their neighborhoods and to report increased mosquito activity.

As of April 28, WNV has been detected in four counties in California in three birds and one human.

Please contact the District 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.