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IMPERIAL COUNTY- The Imperial County Public Health Department announced today that a local mosquito pool has tested positive for Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE). The mosquito pool was collected In the townsite of Wlnterhaven at the Imperial County Sheriff Substation, 518 Railroad Ave. The sample was collected on June 22nd and results were received today, June 30th.

"This is the time of year that we begin to see an increase in mosquito activity, and consequently, an increased risk for mosquito-borne disease, which poses a serious public health threat in our communities,"' stated Stephen Munday, M.D., Health Officer, "Residents are strongly encouraged to check around properties and yards for mosquito breeding sources.''

The Public Health Department's Vector Control Program has approximately 36 mosquito traps placed in strategic areas throughout the county, mostly within city limits.  The traps are checked several times a week and mosquito pools are collected weekly.  "Our agency will continue monitoring disease activity and treat affected areas," said Jeff Lamoure, Deputy Director of Environmental Health.  "Although the positive mosquitoes have been collected in limited areas, all county residents should take precautions, like wearing insect repellent and minimizing outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active."

Symptoms of Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE) 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.