Two Samples of West Nile Virus Collected in Coachella Valley

Two mosquito samples collected in the Coachella Valley tested positive for West Nile Virus this week, the Coachella Valley Mosquito Vector Control District reported Saturday.

The samples were collected from mosquito traps in the cities of Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert, according to the district’s Jill Oviatt. With these two recent findings, 96 positive samples have been collected in the Coachella Valley this year, the highest number of positive samples since 110 samples were detected in 2012.

This week’s West Nile samples are the first collected since late August, when four positive samples were found in Bermuda Dunes and Indian Wells.

Virus activity is high in the valley overall, with 35 positive samples of Saint Louis encephalitis virus found in mosquitoes this year.

However, officials say virus activity is slowing with the departure of the hot summer months.

“We are definitely seeing a drop in virus activity as we enter the fall season, but infected mosquitoes are still out there,” Oviatt said. “As temperatures cool, people will spend more time outdoors and potentially be exposed to infected mosquitoes. We urge people to stay vigilant. Wear insect repellant, cover up, and avoid getting bit.”

West Nile Virus has been detected in 28 counties with 245 human cases this year, according to the California Department of Public Health.

West Nile Virus and Saint Louis Encephalitis are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many infected individuals will not experience illness or may have mild symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. Children, the elderly and individuals with lowered immune systems are at greater risk of experiencing severe symptoms after infection.

To report mosquito problems, neglected pools, standing water, dead birds and other signs of West Nile Virus activity, the CVMVCD can be reached at (760) 342-8287 or (888) 343-9399.

--City News Service, photo via Shutterstock