West Nile Mosquitoes Found In District Near Lake Elsinore

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA --- Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were recently netted in Eastvale, prompting vector control officials today to remind residents to take precautions.

According to the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District, a mosquito sample collected earlier this month tested positive for WNV on Wednesday. That comes less than a week after vector control officials uncovered a mosquito colony in Norco where the virus was present.

"The district urges the public to conduct routine inspections on their properties for mosquito breeding sources," according to an agency statement. "Please look for any standing water around your home or neighborhood. Remove the water source or contact the vector control district to inspect and treat the source.

Remember, mosquitoes can complete their life-cycle in just one week in a water source as small as a bottle cap."

The district covers Canyon Lake, Corona, Eastvale, El Cerrito, Jurupa Valley, Lake Elsinore, Norco, Riverside and neighboring communities.

• Also today from the Coachella Valley: Spraying Continues For Mosquitoes That Can Carry Zika Virus

There have been no human cases of West Nile infection so far this year in Riverside County or elsewhere in California, according to the state Department of Public Health. However, there were 5,588 cases statewide in 2015, resulting in 229 WNV-related deaths, data showed. At least one person died from complications linked to the virus in Riverside County last year.

The county maintains an online map showing West Nile hot spots at http://www.rivcoph.org/Home/WestNileMap.aspx.

Mosquitoes typically become carriers of the virus after feeding on an infected bird and can then spread the potentially lethal strain to animals and humans.

Those at greatest risk include seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms may never materialize, but can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.

Mosquito season in Southern California generally spans the months of May to October.

To reduce exposure to West Nile virus, residents are urged to:
-- spend as little time as possible outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are generally on the move;
-- wear pants and long-sleeved shirts during outdoor activity;
-- use insect repellent;
-- ensure door and window screens are fitted properly to keep bugs out;
-- get rid of standing water, aside from pools properly treated with chemicals.

The Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District can be reached at (951) 340-9792.

More information is available at http://www.rivcoeh.org/Programs/vector.

--City News Service/Shutterstock image