Two local mosquito pools have tested positive for Saint Louis Encephalitis ( SLE ).

The Imperial County Public Health Department has announced that the two pools , one in El Centro near West Main Street and Austin Road and the other in the City of Imperial near the area of La Paz Drive and Puerto Vallarta Avenue , were sampled on July 13 and results were received on July 16 and both pools were positive for SLE. The County Public Health Department's Vector Control Program has approximately 36 mosquito traps placed around the county. The traps are checked several times a week and mosquito pools are sampled weekly. According to the health department , SLE is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of Saint Louis Encephalitis 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. 

The health department suggests precautions such as limiting outdoor activity during dawn and early evening. When outdoors , wear loose-fitting , light-colored , long-sleeve shirts and pants. Apply insect repellent that contains DEET , Picaridin , or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding. You can also can Vector Control if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.