CV Mosquito and Vector Control District temporarily suspends operations. How will this affect our valley?

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has temporarily suspended operations for another week after a coronavirus related death and employees testing positive. 

The district is mourning the loss of their long time employee, Fernando Fregoso, who died from coronavirus on June 11th.

“Its unfortunate," said Jeremy Wittie, General Manager. "Its something that no body would want but our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

They learned that same day another employee tested positive for coronavirus suspending all operations. 

Through further employee testing, they discovered that two additional employees tested positive for coronavirus extending their closure to June 24th to keep the safety of their employees a priority. 

“With the COVID-19 crisis going on and now this is another issue and now they were taking care of us but now they are not so obviously this is a concern." said Tim Jacobs.  

Wittie said prior to the district shutting down staff had responded to positive mosquito samples in high risk areas. 

"When we left those areas the control for those mosquitoes in those areas are not just a one time it does have a lasting impact for several of weeks to over a month," said Wittie.

News Channel 3 asked the district if there would be a rise in more cases since the facility is shut down.

“The mosquito numbers out and they are average for this time of year so we don’t have more than usual," said Wittie. "We have our normal amount out and thats good news and our virus activity that we were detecting was also on the down swing.” 

Wittie said they plan on spraying in the east valley once they reopen.

“We’ll start aerial applications with our helicopter pilots in the lower valley," said Wittie. "We have alot of areas near the salton sea shoreline that produce mosquitoes so we’ll start that next Wednesday.” 

In the meantime, Wittie advises on ways that you can stay protected. 

“Making sure they are using mosquito repellent, making sure to check around their homes thats where you have the biggest impact on your health when it comes to mosquitoes and make sure you don’t have standing water." said Wittie.