Local mosquitos carrying St. Louis Encephalitis Virus
Eduardo Morales
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County has announced that some mosquitos in our area carrying the Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus.
The County says most people who get the virus won’t develop symptoms, however, you can get fever, aches, and it could even progress into a brain infection.
Once an area tests positive for the virus, the county takes immediate action.
“One square mile of it from that trap will be fogged to kill the adult mosquitoes and reduce that transmission cycle,” said Yuma County Vector Control Program supervisor Richard Cuming.
If you are going to be in an area with mosquitos, the county recommends wearing mosquito repellent or long sleeve clothing as well.
Faith Valdez, a Yuma local, says they are worried about the bug but won’t let it stop them from having fun.
“Honestly, with the heat out, I still want to come out and enjoy the water cause it’s too hot for that, it does concern me, but I choose the enjoyment over it,” Valdez says.
The County says that having things that retain water around the house could attract these insects, like dishes underneath potted plants.
They also explain how these mosquitoes get the virus and spread it around.
“The mosquito will bite an infected bird that then replicates inside the mosquito, and if we introduce ourselves into their environment, we can get bitten,” says Cuming.
If you would like the mosquitos tested near your area, you can reach out the Yuma County Vector control program.