Fighting mosquito viruses in Yuma County

The Vector Control team is setting traps across the county, watching over our community

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - With the heat and approaching monsoon season, Yuma County’s mosquito population is back on the rise.

While also being annoying pests, they also can carry harmful diseases.

Richard Cuming, who has worked with vector control for the county for nearly 30 years, was out early Tuesday morning collecting his traps.

He sets them near bodies of water, and where locals have reported being bitten frequently by mosquitoes.

But setting, and picking up the traps is just one step of the process.

He then brings the insects here to his lab, and puts them under the microscope.

Separating them by species, so he can send them to the Arizona State Health Department to test for viruses like West Nile, and St. Louis Encephalitis.

Both of which were present in Yuma County.

“Last year we had both at the same time…this year I haven’t seen any yet, so we don’t know what we’re going to get,” Cuming said.

This is why it’s important to wear repellent, especially when out at local lakes and rivers.

And to take care of your neighborhood.

“Make sure you have no standing water on your property. If you see your neighbor has standing water, let them know, help them out," Cuming said.

While the viruses were present in the mosquito population last year, according to Arizona Department of Health Services data, no human cases of either virus were reported from Yuma County.

Thanks to the precautions locals are taking, and the work of our county employees.

“When I first started the job, it was just to get a nice job and benefits, and I soon realized I actually fell in love with mosquito control. I find it very fascinating, and having that pride that knowing what I’m doing is actually saving lives,” Cuming said.