A mosquito pool near Niland has tested positive for Saint Louis Encephalitis ( SLE ) for a second time.
The pool , near Nofsinger Road , was tested for samples on September 1 and according to the Imperial County Public Health Department , of 20 pools collected throughout Imperial County , only the Niland area pool tested positive. The Health Department said that the Vector Control Program has over 20 traps strategically placed around Imperial County , mostly within city limits. The traps are checked several times a week and the mosquito pools are collected weekly. Imperial County Public Health officer Dr. Stephen Munday said , " It's important for our community to stay vigilant , prevent mosquito breeding and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. These positive mosquito pools are evidence that these viruses are present in our community and that residents need to protect themselves and their families.."
Saint Louis Encephalitis is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitos . Symptoms of SLE include fever , headaches , nausea , vomiting and tiredness. Severe neuroinvasive disease is more common in older adults. There are no vaccines to prevent nor medications to treat SLE.