Two Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Coachella Valley
The Riverside County Public Health Department says two people in the Coachella Valley have been infected with West Nile Virus.
It is looking to be a record-breaking year across the nation for people sickened and killed by West Nile Virus.
These two human cases are the first this year in the Coachella Valley.
Emmerzon and Jonmarie showed us their mosquito bites... itchy, red bumps that are now a little scary.
"I actually got bit by like two, right here when I was sleeping, I don't like them, I think they are annoying and it scares me because I've also heard they can contract disease," said Indio resident, Emmerzon Hernandez.
And two people in the valley caught the West Nile Virus disease -- one in Mecca, and one in Rancho Mirage.
"That's really scary because I live here, and I don't really go far away from here, so it's scary for me and my family," said Rancho Mirage resident, Jonmarie Westengard.
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is fighting mosquitoes across the valley from Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indio and Mecca.
"We had a warm spring, which allowed the mosquitoes to multiply and we've had the virus pretty early in the valley so we've been having a lot of West Nile Virus, we've been chasing down and trying to control the mosquitoes because of that," said vector ecologist, Greg White.
They are spraying from trucks in Mecca, and in areas like Rancho Mirage using spray underground in places like storm drains.
The Center for Disease control reported over 3,000 cases nationwide, 134 deaths.
Texas has been hit hardest with 50 deaths.
Six people have died from West Nile Virus in California.
"For the country it's a record breaking year. Here in our area we've been able to keep the number of human cases down pretty good compared to some of the past years, and we want to keep it that way," said White.
Vector Control recommends people be especially careful from dusk to dawn.
"So at those times is when you need to be most cautious, when you need to have your mosquito repellent on, as well as long sleeves and long pants if possible," said White.
Vector Control says if people see standing water or somewhere mosquitoes could be breeding, to give them a call and they will come treat the area.





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.