Coachella Valley Mosquito and
  Vector Control District

What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile (WN) virus is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by the female mosquito. The virus has been prevalent in parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for many years and was first detected in the United States during 1999 in New York City.  West Nile virus is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus found in the United States and in the Coachella Valley. The virus can infect humans, birds, horses, mosquitoes, and some other animals. By the end of 2003, 46 states have reported West Nile activity in the form of infected mosquitoes, birds or other animals and humans. The virus continues to spread and officials expect the virus to cover the West Coast by 2004

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus ?
Most people who are infected with WN virus have no symptoms whatsoever. However, of those who become ill, mild symptoms may include fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and/or swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms of mild illness will generally last a few days. In severe cases, the disease may progress to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation around the brain), and meningeoncephalitis (inflammation of the brain and membrane). Severe symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, and paralysis. Severe symptoms of illness may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.  Those most at risk are the elderly and those who have weakened immune systems.

The time between the mosquito bite and the onset of illness, known as the incubation period, ranges from 5-15 days in humans. It is estimated that 1 in 150 people who are infected with WN virus will require hospitalization.

West Nile virus may affect birds and other animals. Birds, particularly crows and jays, infected with WN virus can die or become ill, however most infected birds do survive. West Nile virus does not appear to cause extensive illness in dogs or cats.

What is the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District doing to prevent the transmission of West Nile Virus in the Valley?

The West Nile virus cannot be prevented from entering the Coachella Valley.   Controlling the mosquito population in the area will reduce the chances of someone being bitten by a mosquito infected with the WN virus.  The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (the District) routinely surveys for mosquito-borne diseases such as WN virus, western equine encephalomyelitis, and St. Louis encephalitis. Adult mosquitoes are routinely trapped and tested for these viruses.  As an additional surveillance measure, sentinel chicken flocks are strategically placed in 10 locations throughout the Valley and are tested for infection every two weeks. Wild bird surveillance is an additional tool that provides the opportunity to test important reservoir host species for the WN virus and it is used for an early detection and monitoring tool of  virus activity.

On a daily basis, the District staff surveys and controls if necessary,  acres of rural and residential areas for potential breeding habitats of mosquitoes. The District also provides free home and yard inspections for mosquito sources and free delivery of mosquito larvae-eating fish to interested residents. 

The District also educates the public by participating in local community events and hosting lecture programs for local schools, civic organizations, homeowners and neighborhood associations.  Please contact the District if you or your association would like to request a speaker for an event, or tour the District facility, free of charge.

Download The District's West Nile Virus Public Service Announcements Featuring Huell Howser of KCET TV's "California's Gold" right HERE:
TV PSA #1  "Protect Yourself" for our Dial-Up users
TV PSA #1  "Protect Yourself" Broadband Only

TV PSA #2  "Protect Yourself" for our Dial-Up users
TV PSA #2  "Protect Yourself" Broadband Only