West Nile Virus Detection Continues in Eastern Coachella Valley

From NBC Palm Springs
September 27, 2022

“West Nile virus is and can be a very dangerous disease so we’re telling people right now, just be careful when you go outside,” said Tammy Gordon, Public Information Manager for Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. 

At least 100 positive samples of the West Nile virus have been detected in the Coachella Valley so far this year. 

“The current samples that we have are showing the Mecca area, so downtown Mecca. However, we have found samples in La Quinta, South La Quinta,” said Gordon. 

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States, according to the CDC. 

No human cases of the illness have been reported in the Coachella Valley, however, the state of california reports 69 positive cases of the virus this year. 

The virus spreads when a female mosquito bites an infected bird. The carrier mosquito can then transmit the virus to humans. 

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