More mosquito spray applications planned this week

With potentially deadly mosquito-borne viruses continuing to be detected in the Coachella Valley, vector control officials are planning to carry out further pesticide spray applications this week.

The total number of positive samples for West Nile virus in the Coachella Valley so far this year is 284 — more than the last four years combined, Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District spokeswoman Tammy Gordon said. Mosquitoes carrying St. Louis encephalitis virus have also been detected.

Both illnesses are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There have been no reported human cases of either illness in the region this year.

Most infected people will have no symptoms, but others can develop fever, headaches, and body aches, Gordon said. Hospitalization is required in some cases, and in rare cases the diseases can be fatal.

Young children, people over 50 years old and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of experiencing more severe symptoms of both the mosquito-borne illnesses, Gordon said. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical help.

“We want to remind everyone that even though there are no reported cases of a person having West Nile in the Coachella Valley so far in 2019, people need to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from getting bitten,” Gordon said. “This means preventing mosquito bites and preventing mosquitoes around your home.”

Due to recent detections of West Nile in Rancho Mirage, vector control officials plan to carry out truck-mounted pesticide spray applications on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 2 and 6 a.m., though they can take place at any time between 8 p.m. the evening prior and 8 a.m., according to
Gordon.

The application areas will be in communities along Highway 111 between Mirage Cove Drive and Evening Star Drive, Gordon said.

Click here to check application routes and updated application times.