The regional Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District is taking measures to prevent and control the risk of humans becoming infected with the West Nile virus after a sample of mosquitos collected in Eastvale tested positive in mid-June.
As of June 24, Riverside County was one of 21 counties in California with West Nile virus (WNV) activity, although there were no reported cases of humans testing positive for the illness in 2016.
On June 24 and 25, the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District, which routinely monitors and tests adult mosquito populations, performed spray treatments in Eastvale to help protect recreational and residential areas along the Santa Ana River, according to a June 22 news release.
Officials are conducting Integrated Pest Management Practices in the area, with a focus on preventing mosquito breeding and killing larvae.
“However, due to elevated trap counts, we have decided that adult mosquito control via truck mounted ground fogger is our best means to control the current mosquito populations in these areas,” the news release states.
The spray application was conducted at the Riverwalk Park and bike trail next to the river and the Granja Vista Wetland on Citrus Avenue between Riverwalk Park and Eastvale Community Park. The district used Aqua-Reslin, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for mosquito control.
The city reported in an earlier news release district staff “will continue to canvass the area to look for and treat mosquito breeding sources” and will post signs to warn residents about detection of the virsus and preventative measures.
and frequency
WNV, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Protection, is most commonly transmitted to humans from mosquitos. A majority of infected people don’t develop symptoms. About one in five infected people develop a fever along with other symptoms, such as rash, joint pains, headache, diarrhea, vomiting and body aches.
“Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months,” the CDC states.
Less than one percent of infected individuals develop a severe neurological illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis, with symptoms including headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures and/or paralysis.
According to the CDC, there is not a vaccine or antiviral treatments for WNV. If a person is infected and exhibiting symptoms, over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce fever and other aches. Patients with severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized for supportive treatment, including nursing care, pain medication and intravenous fluids.
Public asked to participate in prevention
People should routinely inspect their property for mosquito-breeding sources, such as standing water. The city advises them to remove the water source or contact the district to inspect and treat the source. Also, members of the public who find dead birds are asked to call (877)-WNV-BIRD immediately, as the birds will be tested for WNV.
For more information or to report concerns, contact the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District at 951-340-9792 or visit their website at www.northwestmvcd.org.
If you have problems with mosquitos, call Preventive Pest Control today for fast and reliable mosquito control.