West Nile Virus has been detected in the Coachella Valley area for the first time this mosquito season, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector District said Friday.
Where was West Nile Virus detected near the
The positive West Nile Virus samples were recently collected in the North Shore, on the edge of the Salton Sea, about 20 miles southeast of Indio. It was collected from what the agency referred to as “a routine collection site” near the intersection of Avenue 72 and Cleveland Street.
Have people been infected?
The agency reported that no human cases of West Nile have been reported in the Coachella Valley so far this season, but added that the detection “serves as an important reminder that West Nile virus activity is endemic in the region and that preventive action is critical during the warmer months when mosquito activity increases.”
“Early detection allows us to respond quickly and strategically to help reduce the risk of virus transmission,” said Jeremy Wittie, General Manager for the District. “Our surveillance and control programs are active year-round, but community participation remains one of the most important tools in preventing mosquito breeding and protecting public health.”
The agency said it is responding to the detection by increasing surveillance and mosquito control efforts in the affected area, including targeted larval treatments, adult mosquito monitoring, and public outreach activities.
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus spreads to people through the bites of infected female mosquitoes that acquire the virus from infected birds. Most people with the virus experience either mild symptoms or none at all, but some develop serious illness, with adults over 50 and people with weakened immune systems at greater risk of severe complications.
The local mosquito season starts in April or May and runs through October and sometimes into November, with the virus typically most prevalent in the late summer months.
How to stay safe from West Nile Virus
The district urged residents to take certain precautions to help reduce mosquito populations and prevent bites. Those precautions included dumping and draining standing water near homes and properties, such as from pet bowls and fountains, and wearing long sleeves during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
The agency said mosquitoes can develop in as little as a cap of water, making it important for residents to be vigilant about mosquitoes near their homes. Residents experiencing mosquito issues or seeking prevention information can call the district at 760-342-8287.
Paul Albani-Burgio covers growth, development and business in the Coachella Valley. Email him at paul.albani-burgio@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: West Nile detected near Coachella Valley for first time this year
Reporting by Paul Albani-Burgio, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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