La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Thermal also have confirmed mosquito-borne viruses.

Posted on: June 3, 2020 - 1:31pm

INDIO, CA: Mosquitoes collected near Avenue 48 and Jefferson in Indio have tested positive for St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV). These are the first mosquito samples to test positive in Indio this year.

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is enhancing surveillance efforts which means additional staff is inspecting for standing water, treating mosquitoes breeding sources, and setting additional traps. Signs posted located near trap locations notify communities of virus detection.

Additionally, neighborhoods in Palm Desert that have tested positive for both SLEV and West Nile virus (WNV) will be treated by truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) applications to reduce the number of mosquitoes and potential transmission of the virus to people.

When: Applications will be conducted Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 5-7 in the early morning hours between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., depending on the weather.

Where: The application area is within the boundaries of El Paseo, Portola Avenue, the mountains, and Highway 74. For map details, please visit the Applications page on our website.

There are currently no human cases of WNV or SLEV in California.

Both WNV and SLEV are potentially serious illnesses. People can get these viruses from the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are infected when they feed on birds infected with the virus. Most infected people will have no symptoms, while others develop fever, headaches, and body aches; hospitalization is required in some cases, and in rare cases death occurs. Anyone with symptoms should contact their health care provider.

“Our goal in sharing this information is so the public can make informed decisions about their risk for mosquito-borne illness.” said Tammy Gordon, Public Information Officer for the District. “Mosquito-borne viruses found in the Valley are rarely fatal but as a public health district, it is our responsibility to­­­­­­­­­­­­ inform you that the risk exists. As the District scales up its surveillance and control in these areas so should our residents by taking preventative measures from mosquito bites.”

The best long-term solution to mosquito reduction is removing standing water sources around your home. Community participation is critical to controlling mosquitoes in the Coachella Valley. Please take the necessary steps to protect yourself and our community.

Prevent mosquito bites: 

• Don’t go outside around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear bug spray. 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, bird baths, 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.

Seasonal job opportunities are available at the District. If you need help inspecting or removing water sources, and for more information about WNV and SLEV visit www.cvmosquito.org.                                                                          

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