West Nile virus and St Louis encephalitis detected in Yuma mosquitoes

The Yuma County Pest Abatement District said three samples of mosquitoes collected were found to be infected with the West Nile virus and two samples were found to be infected with St. Louis encephalitis on Monday, September 24.

YCPAD said sentinel chicken flocks in South central Yuma show indications of exposure to West Nile virus through mosquito bites and they are monitoring and spraying for mosquitoes across Yuma County.

The mosquitoes that carry the viruses are primarily active at night and during dusk and dawn, but not typically active during daylight hours. The viruses can be transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito and not from human to human contact.

Some precautions to consider are:

Wearing an effective repellent containing either DEET, Picaridin or Lemon-Eucalyptus oil, and re-treat as indicated on the label. Use of long sleeves and long pants to prevent mosquito bites is encouraged despite the high temperatures. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from feeding on infected wild birds.

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