Aerial Spraying To Combat West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes collected near Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street in La Quinta have tested positive for  West Nile Virus (WNV) .

Additionally, WNV and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) were detected in the communities of Mecca and Northshore.

A map of virus activity is at www.cvmosquito.org/virusactivity.

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is increasing the number of mosquito control technicians in those areas and will carry out mosquito control treatments as needed to reduce the number of mosquitoes and interrupt further transmission of the virus.

An aerial mosquito control application will take place near the Salton Sea Shoreline.

When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 6-8, starting at 8:00pm-7:00am.

Where: The outer boundaries of the application are 70th Avenue, Garfield Street, the Salton Sea shoreline, and Johnson Street; excluding organic fields.

“It’s not worth the risk. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to make you sick.” said Tammy Gordon, Public Information Officer for the District. “Know your risk and wear insect repellent to reduce the risk of getting sick.”

WNV and SLEV spread when a female mosquito bites an infected bird. The mosquito then can become a carrier and transmit the virus to people. Most infected people will have no symptoms. Others will develop fever, headaches, and body aches; hospitalization is required in some cases, and in rare cases, death occurs. People with symptoms should contact their health care provider.

No human cases of mosquito-borne illness have been reported in the Coachella Valley this year.

In California in 2021, four human cases have been confirmed: one fatality.

Prevent mosquito bites:

·     Don’t go outside around dawn and dusk when these mosquitoes are most active.

·     Wear insect repellent. EPA registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 (as directed on the product label).

·     Cover-up. Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active.

·     Check window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Prevent mosquitoes around your home:

·     Check lawn drains for water and debris. Clean drains regularly.

·     Inspect yards for standing water sources. Drain water that collects under potted plants, birdbaths, tires, and any other water-holding containers.

·     Clean and scrub pet dishes and water features weekly.

·     Swimming pools, ornamental ponds, and fountains require working pumps and regular maintenance.

Aedes aegypti mosquito biting a human hand. The pest spreads West Nile Virus.

Photo from Alpha Media USA Portland OR