Spraying Continues For Mosquitoes That Can Carry Zika Virus

COACHELLA, CA --- Vector control officials will resume spraying Coachella yards today in an effort to rid the area of an infestation of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which can carry deadly diseases.

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District first reported detection of the mosquitoes on May 9. Within a month, a "medium to large infestation" was reported.

Adult mosquitoes were found in 32 traps and 23 locations in the area bordered by Avenue 54, Frederick Street, Cairo Street and Shady Lane, prompting inspections and truck-mounted spraying of more than 160 acres in the city.

The mosquito is capable of transmitting deadly viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever, viruses not currently transmitted in California by mosquitoes, according to the Vector Control District.
The inspection zone has been expanded to an area that includes nearly 1,000 homes, with district staff on the lookout for mosquito larvae and breeding sites.

Though spraying operations in early June were largely successful, according to Vector Control officials, winds and yards that are set back from the street can deter the effectiveness of spraying operations, leading officials to plan a second three-day sweep of the inspection area.

"We were fairly happy with the results of our first round of truck- mounted applications carried out last week," said Jeremy Wittie, the CVMVCD's general manager. "But our ultimate goal is not just to reduce these mosquitoes, but eliminate them entirely if at all possible."

New applications will be conducted from 2:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. starting today through Sunday morning. The operation will cover 580 acres in four neighborhoods east and west of Harrison Street.

Signs have been posted for residents living in those areas, but information on application routes can also be found at http://www.cvmvcd.org/adultici... .

CVMVCD is also planning to use helicopters and planes to carry out larval and adult control applications in the coming weeks, which officials hope will completely eliminate the presence of the mosquitoes.

To report mosquito issues or activity, contact CVMVCD at (760) 342-8287 or (888) 343-9399.

• Previous: Spraying Begins As Dangerous Strain Of Mosquito Found In Riverside County

• Also see: Hantavirus Found Near Beaumont, Health Officials Warn

--City News Service/Image courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention