From the Palm Desert Patch
August 3, 2018
COACHELLA VALLEY, CA – “Persistent virus activity” in Mecca stemming from disease-carrying mosquitoes has led local vector control officials to call for increased efforts to control the Eastern Coachella Valley mosquito population and reduce transmission of West Nile and St. Louis Encephalitis in the region, beginning with a round of helicopter and truck-mounted spraying in the city that started Thursday.
Mosquitoes from Mecca have tested positive for St. Louis Encephalitis, while West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes found in Thermal, according to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
The detections prompted the district to call for a round of truck- mounted spraying during the early mornings and helicopter aerial applications in the evenings through Saturday.