IMPERIAL COUNTY- The Imperial County Public Health Department announced today that a local mosquito pool has tested positive for Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE). The mosquito pool was identified in the city of Imperial in the vicinity of S. E Street. The sample was collected on June 20th and results were received today, June 23rd. This is the first positive mosquito pool for SLE identified in Imperial County this year.

“As the weather warms up, mosquitoes become more active, which increases the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These diseases can be serious, so it is important that individuals protect themselves from mosquito bites,” stated Stephen Munday, M.D., Health Officer. “Residents are encouraged to take steps to eliminate any standing water on their property that could serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”

The Public Health Department’s Vector Control Program has approximately 52 mosquito traps placed in strategic areas throughout the county, mostly within city limits. The traps are checked several times a week and mosquito pools are collected weekly. “Our agency will continue monitoring disease activity and treat affected areas,” said Jeff Lamoure, Deputy Director of Environmental Health. “Although the positive mosquitoes were collected in a specific area, all county residents should take precautions, like wearing insect repellent and minimizing outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.”

Symptoms of Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE) include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. Severe neuroinvasive disease (often involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) is more common in older adults. There are no vaccines to prevent nor medications to treat SLE.

SLE is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking the following precautions:

• Limit time outdoors during dawn and early evening.
• When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants when mosquitoes are most active (during dusk and dawn).
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions to prevent mosquito bites.
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
• Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding by:
  • Draining or eliminating, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitos can breed.
  • Emptying and changing the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.
  • Draining or filling temporary pools of water with dirt. - Keeping swimming pool water treated and circulating.
• Contact Vector Control if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.

If you think you or anyone in your household has symptoms that are causing you concern, contact your healthcare provider.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a useful search tool that the public can use to find the repellent products most appropriate for them and their families. The tool is available at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellentright-you.

For additional information related to Saint Louis Encephalitis, please visit the California Department of Public Health Department’s website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/SLE.asp