Cathedral City and Palm Springs scheduled in addition to Mecca, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage treatments.

Posted on: September 25, 2023 - 1:28pm

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is scheduling additional truck-mounted mosquito control treatments in the cities of Cathedral City and Palm Springs as a result of the increased West Nile Virus (WNV) activity. Year to date, the District has detected mosquito-borne virus in 158 samples throughout the valley.

The state of California reports 153 human cases of West Nile virus this year. Riverside County reports 8 human cases, but none in the Coachella Valley.

Neighborhood mosquito control treatments in communities of higher risk are intended to decrease mosquito numbers and reduce risk of transmission of virus to people. In addition to mosquito control treatments reported last week, additional treatments are scheduled in Cathedral City and Palm Springs. A map of the area can be viewed on this website.

Where: The application area is within the boundaries of Ramon Road, Da Vall Drive, Palm Canyon Drive, and Golf Club Drive.

When: September 27-29, from 1am-7am weather permitting.

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. However, 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.

Prevent mosquito bites: 

·      Stay inside at dawn and dusk when these mosquitoes are most active.

·      Wear insect repellent. EPA registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 (as directed on the product label).

·      Cover up. Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when mosquitoes are most active.

·      Check window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Prevent mosquitoes around your home:

·      Check lawn drains for water and debris. Clean drains regularly.

·      Inspect yards for standing water sources. Drain water that collects under potted plants, birdbaths, tires, and any other water holding containers.

·      Clean and scrub pet dishes and water features weekly.

·      Swimming pools, ponds, and fountains require working pumps and regular maintenance.

About St. Louis Encephalitis Virus. SLEV spread 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.