For the first time, an invasive mosquito species known to carry the Zika virus and other dangerous diseases has been found in the Coachella Valley.

Health experts believed it was inevitable that the species, Aedes aegypti, would eventually move into the valley, since it had already been found in the surrounding areas. The mosquito species is not native to California but made inroads within the state over the last few years. It had previously been found elsewhere in Riverside County, along with Imperial, San Diego and Los Angeles counties.

The discovery, announced Monday by the public agency charged with monitoring the local mosquito population, does not mean local residents are yet at risk of contracting the Zika virus or other diseases like dengue and yellow fever.

“This mosquito bites during the day, is much more aggressive in its biting behavior than our native species, and prefers to breed around and bite humans,” Jeremy Wittie, general manager of the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, said in a news release. “This is not the kind of new neighbor any of us want."

The district identified the mosquito species May 9 in Coachella, near the intersection of Calle Camacho and Calle Rojo, and confirmed it through the California Department of Public Health. The district is planning further monitoring and sending staff door-to-door near detection sites to try and remove potential mosquito breeding sites.

Aedes aegypti is a small, black and white mosquito active during the daytime. They lay eggs just above the water in small containers such as dishes, potted plants, bird baths, ornamental fountains, tin cans or tires.

To discourage mosquito breeding, the district is asking people to inspect their lawns for any standing water, including in rain gutters and drains, and to clean bird baths and water dishes for pets weekly.

Bites can be prevented with insect repellents, long clothes and making sure window and door screens are in good condition.


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