Mosquito Tests Positive for West Nile Virus
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sw / Tuesday May 17, 2005 Page B4 FILE - A mosquito bites a human arm in Ludington, Mich., Monday, June 7, 2004. This year the West Nile Virus that has swept steadily across the continent is expected to hit British Columbia, which is already gearing up for a fight. Meanwhile battle-scarred Saskatchewan is looking to the day when it can scale back its assault on the pesky pathogen. (CP PHOTO ARCHIVES/ AP/ Ludington Daily News, Andy Klevorn) Image by Associated Press
INDIO - Another mosquito has tested positive for the West Nile virus in the Coachella Valley.
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District received confirmation from the Center for Vectorborne Diseases at UC Davis of a third West Nile virus positive mosquito sample in Cathedral City.
District staff will continue its intensified mosquito surveillance, larviciding, and public awareness in the area in an effort to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes.
In 2010, the District had 49 confirmed West Nile virus positive mosquito samples from across the valley by this point in the season.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through an infected mosquito bite. Not all species of mosquitoes are capable of transmitting the virus. Of those that can transmit the virus only a small percentage are actually infected with the virus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
Most individuals who are infected with the West Nile virus will not experience any illness. Others will have only mild symptoms, such as fever, headache and body aches.
Individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:
- Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn.
- When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing.
- Apply insect repellent according to label instructions.
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens.
- Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
- Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding.
- Report swimming pools and ornamental ponds that are not being maintained.
- Keep ornamental ponds and neglected pools free of excess vegetation.
Contact the District for free mosquito fish to place in your ornamental pools, neglected pools or any other container with standing water that can potentially breed mosquitoes
Contact the District if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.
Contact the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District at 760-342-8287 or 1-888-343-9399 to report mosquito problems, request mosquito fish, and report neglected pools or standing water.
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