Mosquito sample in Palm Springs tests positive for West Nile virus

Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun
Updated ·2 min read

Mosquitoes recently collected in Palm Springs tested positive for West Nile virus near Patencio Road and Hermosa Place, according to the the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

This is the first sample from the valley to test positive for the virus in 2023. There were more than 100 positive samples collected last year, mainly concentrated in the east valley.

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus spreads when a female mosquito bites an infected bird. The mosquito then can become a carrier and transmit the virus to people.

No human cases of mosquito-borne illness have been reported in the Coachella Valley, but one human case has been reported by the state this year in Tulare County.

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District said it will increase mosquito control technicians in the detected areas in Palm Springs and carry out mosquito control treatments in order to reduce the number of mosquitoes and interrupt further transmission of the virus.

“Detections like this should put us all on alert to wear repellent,” district spokesperson Tammy Gordon said in a statement. “At least thirty percent of an active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus is best. Do not use essential oils as mosquito repellent.”

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not feel symptoms, but about one in five develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness, according to the CDC.

The district said there have been regular detections of St. Louis encephalitis virus in the east valley since June. Most people infected with the virus do not have symptoms, but those who do become ill and may experience fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and tiredness, according to the CDC.

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District encourages local residents to take a number of steps to prevent mosquito bites/mosquitos around their home.

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)

  • 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 and clean 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

  • Make sure swimming pools, ponds and fountains have working pumps and are regularly maintained

Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Mosquito sample in Palm Springs tests positive for West Nile virus