Mosquitoes in Imperial County test positive for viruses that causes serious illness

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - Imperial County health officials are urging residents to take precautions after mosquitoes tested positive for viruses that can cause serious illness.

The imperial County Public Health Department says a mosquito pool in the Winterhaven area tested positive for West Nile Virus while a mosquito pool in the Bard area tested positive for St. Louis Encephalitis Virus.

The samples were collected on June 11, and mark the first positive tests of both viruses in Imperial County this year.

Health officials say mosquito activity increases during the warmer months, raising the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, and rash.

In some cases, the viruses can cause serious neurological illness, especially in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Officials are encouraging residents to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and eliminate standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed.

The county's vector control program says it will continue monitoring mosquito activity and treating affected areas.

To learn more about this, read the press release, written in English and Spanish, below.