Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)-The Yuma County Pest Abatement District (YCPAD) on Thursday announced the discovery of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus along the Yuma East Wetlands. 

YCPAD staff has sprayed these areas by ground fogging trucks to eliminate infected mosquitoes.

YCPAD says to take the necessary precaution and wear an effective repellent containing either DEET, Picaridin, or Lemon-Eucalyptus oil, and re-treat as indicated on the label.

They encourage you to wear long sleeves and long pants to prevent mosquito bites as high temperatures are on the rise.                    

Mosquitos carrying the West Nile virus are primarily active at night.

However, YCPAD says the West Nile virus can be transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito and not from human to human contact. 

YCPAD highly recommends that people avoid exposure to mosquitoes in the evening and at night, especially in areas reported to be infected with the West Nile virus along the Yuma East Wetlands.

Residents should use repellent and report any signs of mosquito breeding to YCPAD by calling 928-726-1030 or e-mailing ycpad1@gmail.com