West Nile virus found in east valley mosquitoes for first time in 2019, officials say

West Nile virus has been detected for the first time this year in mosquitoes in the eastern Coachella Valley, officials said Friday. 

Four mosquito samples collected in Coachella, Indio and Thermal tested positive for the virus, which can be transmitted to humans through a bite, according to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Most infected with the virus won't become sick, officials said. Some end up suffering flu-like symptoms while others will require hospitalization. It can also be fatal.

The positive samples were collected at three locations: Avenue 54 and Shady Lane in Coachella, Avenue 43 and Golf Center Parkway in Indio and Avenue 60 and Tyler Street in Thermal.

As a result of the virus being detected, officials will post signs in the areas near the traps and increase inspections.

More:First mosquitoes with West Nile virus detected in the east valley, numbers down from 2017

More:A mosquito sample from Palm Springs tested positive for West Nile virus

More:Thumbs down: Coachella Valley mosquito-borne disease threat rises

The district's general manager, Jeremy Wittie, said it wasn't surprising to see the virus in the Coachella Valley in the wake of a wet winter and warm temperatures.

"We urge residents across the valley to be vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquito bites given we have detected the virus in three different locations spanning a wide area," Wittie said in a news release. 

Last year, the virus was first spotted in June. One-hundred and twenty positive virus samples were collected in the Coachella Valley in 2017 while only 24 were in 2018, officials said. 

More than 2,500 viral cases in humans were reported nationwide in 2018, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those cases, 137 were fatal. Eight of the deaths were in California. 

To discourage mosquitoes in the area, residents are urged to inspect their yards and drain any standing water. They also are urged to clean bird bathes and pet dishes weekly.  

To avoid mosquito bites, residents should avoid going outside around dawn or dusk, officials said. It's also recommended they wear long sleeve shirts and pants when mosquitoes are active and keep window and door screens in good condition to prevent them from entering homes. 

Residents can report mosquito problems or neglected standing water pools to 760-342-8287.

Clarification: The story has been updated with the total number of positive mosquito samples collected in 2017 and 2018.

Shane Newell covers breaking news and the western Coachella Valley cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs. He can be reached at Shane.Newell@DesertSun.com, (760) 778-4649 or on Twitter at @journoshane