West Nile Virus - Positive Samples
Last updated 7/2/2015 at 2:14pm
According to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, a record number of mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus in the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas, this year.
As of June 25, 54 of the mosquito samples tested this year have been positive for West Nile virus. The west shore of the Salton Sea had 1 of those samples, Indio had 36, La Quinta had 16 and Indian Wells had 1. So far, 119 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile across 26 counties in California this year.
Although West Nile-positive samples may be spiking in urban Coachella Valley, most people infected with the virus do not show signs of any symptoms despite it being the leading cause of brain inflammation due to infection in the United States. However, some people infected will get flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches. In rare cases, West Nile virus can be fatal.
Zero mosquito samples were positive for West Nile virus in Coachella Valley last year. Until this year, the highest number of positive samples was in 2004. The Mosquito and Vector Control District asks residents to change water anywhere that mosquitoes might lay their eggs - bird baths, flower pots, pet bowls, wading pools - and to prevent standing water by making sure irrigation doesn't run off into streets or stay in catch basins.
