Mosquitoes Test Positive for St. Louis Encephalitis in La Quinta

Mosquitoes in Thermal also tested positive for the virus. Control application scheduled.

Posted on: May 29, 2020 - 9:43am

INDIO, CA - Mosquitoes collected from a trap near Madison Street and 60th Avenue in La Quinta tested positive for St. Louis Encephalitis (SLEV). This is the first time mosquitoes tested positive for the virus in La Quinta this year. Disease notice signs are posted in communities located near the trap locations.

There are no human cases of SLEV currently in California. However, due to increased risk, targeted control applications will be carried out.

Truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) applications are scheduled Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, June 1-3. Applications are planned between 2:00 and 7:00 a.m., weather permitting.

The application area is within the boundaries of Avenue 60, Monroe Street, 62nd Avenue, and Madison Avenue. Residents can check the District website for application routes and updated application times.

People over the age of 50 and individuals with lowered immune systems are at greater risk of suffering severe symptoms of SLEV.

A person can get SLEV when an infected mosquito bites them. Mosquitoes are infected when they feed on birds infected with the virus. Most people will not experience any illness. Others have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and body aches. In severe cases, hospitalization and even death. Anyone with symptoms should contact their health care provider.

“We need people to protect themselves from mosquito bites.” said Tammy Gordon, Public Information Officer for the District. “It’s as simple as using bug spray with DEET or other EPA registered ingredients. Wear long sleeves and pants if you can. Especially if you go for a walk at dawn or dusk. That is when mosquitoes are most active.”

A map of virus activity in your area can be found on the District website.

A map of the application area can be found on the District website.

If you need help inspecting or removing water sources, and for more information St. Louis Encephalitis virus visit cvmvcd.specialdistrict.org/.

-END-

Website Accessibility Policy

Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is fully committed to providing accessible facilities, elements and channels of communication to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has a policy of providing an accessible website compatible with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and commercial screen reading software. All features of the website are coded to allow individuals with vision and other impairments to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without disabilities. We welcome feedback and can often resolve issues in a timely manner if they arise.

If you need any special assistance or accommodations:

Call us at 760-342-8287

Ongoing Compliance Information

Compliance Officer

Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has designated a compliance officer for website disability-related accommodations. The compliance officer has received training in website accessibility and updates the site in accordance with those best practices. Contact our accessibility officer to report an issue.

Compliance Procedures and Reports

In addition to testing with users with a wide range of disabilities and coding our website to WCAG standards, Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District regularly scans its website to ensure ongoing compliance, and makes timely changes to any inaccessible changes, if any are found.

Linked Documents and Third Parties

Please note that this site may link out to third-party websites, such as state or federal agencies, that do not have accessible content. This site may also include documents provided by third parties included in our agenda packets, for example. While we cannot control the accessibility of content provided by third parties, we are happy to assist any member of the public with reading and accessing content on our site.

See an opportunity for us to improve? Please contact our accessibility officer or call us at 760-342-8287.

Report a Website Accessibility Issue

We are committed to your ability to access all content, and we will respond to all requests as soon as possible.