Mosquitoes Infected with the West Nile Virus Found
CATHEDRAL CITY - Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector control crews will be spraying insecticide in a Cathedral City neighborhood Friday evening following the discovery of two West Nile infected mosquitoes.
Crews will be using mounted truck sprayers to disperse the chemical to help stop the spread of the disease.
The spraying will take place over the next five days in a half mile radius of Plumley Road and the corner of Converse Road in Cathedral City.
Mary Fowler and her son Mason live in the neighborhood where two mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus.
"It's really scary because you know especially with having children and we have a cat, you're constantly worried about their safety. I don't know if it could kill the children or get really sick or it's just your babies, you want to protect them," said Fowler.
Greg White a Vector Ecologist with the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control says, "The humans most at risk for the neurological symptoms of the virus are going to be the elderly and then also the young children, and there are some elementary schools and some other schools in the area, and that's part of the reason too why we want to make sure we're spraying for mosquitoes."
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control will spray Friday night through Tuesday night from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. when mosquitoes are most active.
"So if people don't want to be present when we are spraying then they should avoid being outside during those time periods," said White. He added that, "shady areas and along vegetation, so that's where the spraying will mostly be concentrating is around the perimeter of the areas where mosquitoes could be flying around."
Mosquito control employees are walking the neighborhood, telling people about the spraying. They say the chemicals will not harm people or pets. "Insecticides that we use have been shown to be safe and very effective only against insects that we are targeting," said White.
Remain indoors during application in the immediate area.
- People who suffer from chemical sensitivities or feel spraying may aggravate a preexisting health condition, may consult with their physician and take special measures to avoid exposure.
- Close windows and turn off window-unit air conditioners, when spraying is taking place in the immediate area.
- Keep children's toys indoors.
- Cover outdoor fish ponds.
If you do not want your property treated, district leaders would like you to call 760-541-6952 or visit their website and fill out a "No Treatment" form.





This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.