West Nile Virus Activity Prompts Mosquito Control Operation In Riverside County Starting Aug.20

NORTH SHORE, CA — The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will conduct a mosquito spraying operation in the North Shore community in response to elevated West Nile Virus activity and higher mosquito populations in the area, officials announced on Wednesday.

Weather permitted, the aerial ultra-low volume application will take place between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.

The agency said when surveillance data shows an increased risk of disease transmission, the district conducts mosquito control treatments to quickly reduce the population of mosquitoes capable of transmitting viruses.

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"This treatment is a direct response to what our surveillance data is showing us now," Greg Alvarado, operations manager for the district, said in a news release. "Our goal is to quickly reduce mosquito populations when current conditions indicate an increased risk of West Nile virus transmission."

The district said the aerial treatments starting Thursday are separate from the its scheduled summer wide-area larvicide applications.

The district said it will continue monitoring mosquito populations and West Nile virus activity throughout the Coachella Valley to determine if additional treatments are necessary.

There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus. Most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, but some may develop serious illness.

The agency encouraged residents to take the following precautions against mosquito bites, particularly when there's a significant increase in mosquito activity:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors and follow label directions.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are most active.
• Make sure doors and windows screens are free from tears and punctures.
• Eliminate standing water around homes and businesses where mosquitoes can breed.
• Report neglected swimming pools or other potential mosquito sources to the District.

For more information about mosquito control or to report a mosquito problem, contact the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District at 760-342-8287 or visit www.cvmosquito.org.