West Nile Virus Concerns In RivCo Leads To More Spraying In These Residential Areas

EASTVALE, CA —An Eastvale residential neighborhood became the center of the mosquito combat for Northwest Mosquito & Vector Control District in Riverside County Friday.

The treatment was planned amid mounting West Nile virus concerns and follows last week's postponement of spraying because of strong Santa Ana winds.

The Northwest Mosquito & Vector Control District conducted "ultra-low-volume" insecticide treatments from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday east of Scholar Way, west of Wells Springs Street, south of Oakdale Street and north of Schleisman Road.

Anti-mosquito spraying uses chemicals approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pesticides are emitted as a mist dispersed from machines anchored in the backs of pickup trucks. Officials recommended that during operations, parties stay indoors and keep windows closed until at least 15 minutes after the trucks have departed.

So far in 2026, Riverside County has documented four human WNV infections. Statewide, 378 infections, including those in Riverside County, have been recorded to date in 2026, according to the California Department of Public Health. Twenty-three of those resulted in death, none of which occurred in the Inland Empire.

In 2025, one human WNV infection was documented countywide, and the patient recovered.

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 May to October. To reduce exposure to mosquitoes with WNV, residents are urged to:

-- spend as little time as possible outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are generally on the move;

-- wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts during outdoor activity in mosquito-prone areas;

-- use insect repellent;

-- ensure door and window screens are fitted properly to keep bugs out; and

-- get rid of standing water, aside from pools properly treated with chemicals.

More information is available at northwestmvcd.org/, or at 951-340-9792.