Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Palm Desert
Palm Desert becomes the first urban area in the Coachella Valley where mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).
The virus was detected in one mosquito sample collected from a District trap located near the intersection Elkhorn and Fred Waring.
Eight additional mosquito samples tested positive for WNV in Mecca, Thermal, and Oasis, bringing the total number of positive mosquito samples to 57 this year. No human cases have been reported in the Coachella Valley.
Back in May, Mosquito samples found in Thousand Palms were the first to test positive for WNV in California for this year.
Read: 1st mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in Ca. this year found in Thousand Palms
Last month, WNV infected mosquito samples were found in Eastern Coachella Valley for the first time in 2017.
Read: Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in eastern Coachella Valley
And just a couple of weeks ago, 11 WNV infected mosquito samples were found in Mecca.
Read: 11 mosquito samples test positive for West Nile virus in Mecca
In an effort to reduce the number of mosquitoes and interrupt virus transmission, District staff will post disease signs in affected communities to alert residents. Staff will also perform enhanced mosquito surveillance and control in the Palm Desert detection area to reduce the number of virus-carrying mosquitoes.
District staff will be carrying out aerial ultra-low volume (ULV) applications in the Mecca, Thermal and Oasis area WNV infected adult mosquitoes continue to be found. Applications are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, July 11-12 between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 am, weather permitting.
Read: County to receive funds for Zika detection equipment
All products used are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the purpose of controlling mosquitoes and protecting public health. The products are applied according to label instructions by trained and state-certified technicians. Although the District’s mosquito control products pose low risk, some people may prefer to avoid exposure by staying inside or away from the area during and for 30 minutes following the application.
“We have active West Nile virus transmission in rural and urban areas and we don’t want anyone getting sick,” says Jeremy Wittie, General Manager at the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (CVMVCD). “Valley residents and visitors need to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and do their part to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.”
Read: Those larger-than-normal ‘mosquitoes’ aren’t actually mosquitoes
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 healthcare provider.
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 mosquito eggs. Some 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.
