The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reported Friday a sample of mosquitoes from a trap in La Quinta tested positive for Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLE).

This is also the first virus activity of any kind detected in La Quinta this year.

St. Louis Encephalitis is transmitted from birds to man and other mammals by infected mosquitoes, however most persons infected with SLE have no apparent illness. Initial symptoms of those who become ill include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. Severe neuroinvasive disease (often involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) occurs more commonly in older adults. In rare cases, long-term disability or death can result.