Work Continues for the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District

Do mosquitoes transmit coronavirus (COVID-19)?

No. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence that mosquitoes transmit this disease. Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of other viruses including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, chikungunya, dengue, and Zika.

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that is transmitted from person to person by a cough or a sneeze.

Mosquito-borne illness is transmitted to people by the bite of an infected mosquito through the saliva of the mosquito to a person’s blood.

Is the District still open?

Yes. The District is taking seriously the impact of COVID-19 in our community.­­­ It has impacted everyday life as well as day-to-day operations in serving the public. We will continue our mission in protecting public health, and the District maintains a proactive role in anticipating impacts of the 2020 mosquito season.

CVMVCD employees provide essential services as outlined in Governor Newsom’s Executive Order*. We are continuing to serve our community by surveying and inspecting for mosquito breeding sources and mosquito-borne diseases to ensure our community is safe from vectors as the season warms.

Although some operational practices have changed – such as technicians speaking to homeowners face to face or doing a walk around together – the District will continue our part in protecting public health.

*Governor Newsom’s Executive Order can be found on the State’s website, www.gov.ca.gov: https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.21.20-EO-N-35-20.pdf

I don’t want you at my house during self-isolation.

We understand. District staff are committed to protecting public health. During this time of social distancing, a technician will primarily be communicating with members of the public by phone or email. When a technician is scheduled to be at your home, they will knock to alert you of their presence but will maintain a minimum of a six-foot physical separation from all people, including you, as it is essential that District staff continue to inspect and treat properties.

What can I do to help?

As the temperatures warm, more mosquitoes will start to emerge and the potential of them becoming infected with viruses will increase.

To reduce these chances, we are asking everyone practicing social distancing to use this time to get to know your surroundings outside.

• Inspect your property for small water holding containers that you can remove. Inspect sprinklers to ensure that they are not overwatering.
• Take the opportunity to walk around your neighborhood and do the same.
• Help take care of neighbors by offering to inspect and remove standing water sources from their yards too. 
• Remove trash near drainage basins and check for standing water in low lying areas of landscape.
• Report any issues you cannot control to the District via online or by calling 760-342-8287

Our website provides the best available information about what our community should know when it comes to mosquito control efforts.

We ask everyone to come together to help all get through this crisis. Be vigilant about inspecting your yard for water holding containers. We have heard a lot recently about those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 which are the same groups vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases. Help us protect Coachella Valley and help fight the bite!

Additional questions? 

For additional questions please contact the DIstrict at 760-342-8287 or email us.