From the Palm Desert Patch
September 5, 2018
MECCA, CA — An increase in mosquito-borne viruses in Mecca has prompted officials to increase efforts to control the Eastern Coachella Valley mosquito population to reduce transmission of West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis in the region, beginning with a round of helicopter spraying in the city starting Wednesday.
From Wednesday through Friday, from 8 p.m. to midnight each night, helicopter aerial applications will be conducted in the area bordered by the Salton Sea, Hayes Street, Buchanan Street and Avenue 69, excluding organic properties and fish farms, according to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
St. Louis encephalitis has been detected in Mecca and North Shore this year, while West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes found in Thermal, Palm Desert and Indian Wells.