District officials stress the importance of wearing Insect Repellent

Posted on July 26, 2024 at 4:30pm

Coachella Valley, CA: Mosquitoes samples from a routine collection site in Indian Wells tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) for the first time this year. The sample was located near the intersections of Fred Waring Drive and Eldorado Drive. This is the 182nd sample from the valley to test positive for WNV in 2024.

District staff have posted disease notification signs in communities where virus activity was detected and have intensified mosquito surveillance and control measures in the surrounding areas. Technicians are also carrying out larval and adult mosquito control as necessary in the surrounding areas in an effort to reduce the number of mosquitoes and interrupt further transmission of the virus.

No human cases of mosquito-borne illness have been reported in the Coachella Valley in 2024. “West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States; detections like this should serve as a strong reminder to wear insect repellent anytime we are outdoors,” said Antonio Molina, Field Supervisor for the District. People over the age of 50 and individuals with lowered immune systems are at greater risk of suffering severe symptoms of WNV.

The District urges residents to be proactive against mosquitoes by wearing EPA-registered insect repellent containing at least thirty percent of an active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, not essential oils. To reduce mosquito numbers, residents must eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Including any water-holding containers, drain areas where water can collect such as low-lying landscape areas, pet dishes, plant saucers, and unmaintained pools.

About West Nile Virus: WNV spreads when a female mosquito bites an infected bird. The mosquito then can become a carrier and transmit the virus to people. Most infected people will have no symptoms. Others will develop fever, headaches, and body aches; hospitalization is required in some cases, and in rare cases, death occurs. People with symptoms should contact their health care provider.