More West Nile Virus-Infected Mosquitoes Found In Coachella Valley

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District continues to find West Nile Virus in mosquitoes, it was announced Thursday.

"Samples of mosquitoes from routine collection sites tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in two new Coachella Valley areas," according to the agency.

The detections came from a mosquito trap near Madison Avenue and Avenue 38 in Indio, and two traps in Mecca: one near Buchanan Street and Avenue 68 and the other near Lincoln Street and Avenue 72.

One week ago, the agency reported that mosquitoes from a routine collection site in the city of Coachella tested positive for West Nile Virus near Genoa Street and Avenue 53, making it the first sample from the valley to test positive for the virus in 2024.

"So far this year, four mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus. At this time last year, we had no detections of virus activity," the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reported Thursday.

No human cases of WNV have been reported in the Coachella Valley.

Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District staff are posting disease notification signs in communities located near the traps and will increase mosquito surveillance and control treatments in the area to reduce the number of mosquitoes and interrupt further transmission of the virus, according to the agency.

West Nile Virus is spread when a female mosquito bites an infected bird. The mosquito can become a carrier and transmit the virus to people, according to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

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 healthcare provider, the agency said.

Like humans, horses are also susceptible to West Nile Virus illness. An equine vaccine is available. Speak to your veterinarian.

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District offered tips on how to prevent mosquito bites in humans:

• 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-sleeved shirts and long pants when mosquitoes are most active.
• Check window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Prevent mosquitoes around your home by:

• Checking lawn drains for water and debris. Cleaning drains regularly.
• Inspecting yards for standing water sources. Draining water that collects under potted plants, bird baths, tires, and any other water-holding containers.
• Regularly cleaning and scrubbing pet dishes.
• Swimming pools, ponds and fountains require working pumps and regular maintenance.