Mosquito pools test positive for Saint Louis Encephalitis
EL CENTRO – The Imperial County Public Health Deparment announced Saturday that four mosquito pools carrying the virus for Saint Louis Encephalitis have been discovered in near here and in Imperial.
The pools were found in Imperial near La Paz Road and in the New River ravine area south of the Rio Bend RV Park, the health department said. The samples were collected on June 12, and results were received Friday.
“It is important for our community to stay vigilant, prevent mosquito breeding and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites,” Dr. Stephen Munday, health officer for Imperial County, said in a release.
“These positive mosquito pools are evidence that this virus is present in our community and that residents need to protect themselves and their families. We urge everyone to make it a habit to use mosquito repellent to protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquito- borne viruses.”
The Public Health Department’s Vector Control Program has more than 30 traps placed in strategic areas throughout the county, mostly within city limits. The traps are checked several times a week and mosquito pools are collected weekly.
“Our vector control staff is constantly looking for the presence of mosquito-borne viruses in our community,”
Jeff Lamoure, deputy director of environmental health said. “These positive mosquito pools were detected as a result of a robust surveillance program.”
Symptoms of SLE include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and tiredness. Severe neuroinvasive disease ( often involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) is more common in older adults. There are no vaccines to prevent nor medications to treat SLE.
SLE is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
Individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito- borne diseases by taking the following precautions:
Limit time outdoors during dawn and early evening.
Wear loose- fitting, light colored, longsleeve shirts and pants outdoors when mosquitoes are most active ( during dusk and dawn).
Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions to prevent mosquito bites.
Make sure that doors and windows have tight- fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding by draining or eliminating, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed; emptying and changing the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats; draining or filling temporary pools of water with dirt; and keeping swimming pool water treated and circulating.
Contact Vector Control if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.
Persons who are experiencing or who has a household member who is experiencing symptoms of that are causing concern should contact their healthcare provider.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a useful search tool the public can use to find repellent products most appropriate for them and their families. The tool is available at https:// www. epa. gov/ insect- repellents/ find- repellentright- you
For general information about SLE or to report a problem with mosquitoes in Imperial County, please contact Environmental Health at ( 442) 265- 1888.
For information about SLE and other mosquito- borne viruses, visit the Imperial County Public Health Department’s website at http://www.icphd.org/environmental- health/bee—mosquitoes.