Fighting the bite in Yuma County

According to the Yuma County Public Health Services District, there have been about five mosquito pools that have been reported that are positive for West Nile Virus in Yuma County. The recent rain in the area has brought an influx of mosquito pools and has raised concerns count-wide.

Vector Control Specialist, Richard Cuming, said that West Nile and St. Louis Encephalitis is commonly found in our area in places like the rivers, lakes, and parks all around town. Since these viruses are found in the Desert Southwest, Richard said that there are certain age groups that need to be more aware and take more precautions.

“People who need to be more concerned are the young, the elderly who have comprised immune systems. Also, with the Zika virus, pregnant women need to be more aware of mosquito bites and try to minimize their exposure,” said Cuming.

Richard also explained there are steps to take to ensure the safety of your family that begins with protecting your home.

“After a rain event or once or twice a week, residents should get in the habit of going around the outside of your yard and making sure that nothing is holding in the water like flower pots,” said Cuming.

Visitors that come through Yuma are also encouraged to take precautions when stopping in town.

“We want to make sure that anyone in the area or visiting such as the rivers, lakes, and parks, take precautions by wearing mosquito repellant and wearing light loose-long sleeve clothing so they’re safe,” said Cuming.

The Yuma County Public Health Services District also stated that there have been no reports of the Zika virus in the area.