A local mosquito pool has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

According to the Imperial County Public Health Department, a mosquito pool in the city of Imperial tested positive for the virus. This is the first positive mosquito pool for WNV identified in Imperial County this year. The Health Department's Vector Control Program has approximately 53 mosquito traps throughout the county, mostly in city limits. The traps are checked several times a week and mosquito pools are collected weekly. WNV is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitos become infected when they feed on infected birds

Severe symptoms of WNV include fever, nausea, vomiting and seizures. Most individuals will not experience any illness. Others will have only mild symptoms, such asa fever, headache and body aches. 

The Health Department suggests that you can reduce the risk of WNV by limiting time outdoors during dawn and early evening, when outdoors, wear loose-fitting, light-colored, long sleeve shirts and pants. Mosquito repellent may help prevent mosquito bites. 

Sources of standing water should be eliminated.