Mosquito Spraying in Riverside County

Riverside County officials are set to conduct a second round of anti-mosquito spraying this summer, responding to a surge in mosquito populations that have raised public health alarms. The Department of Environmental Health announced that the "ultra-low volume" insecticide spraying will take place on Thursday morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., covering a 253-acre area. This follows a similar spraying operation conducted on July 31, targeting the same regions due to rising concerns over West Nile virus. The spraying will focus on specific areas including Mystic Field and East Nuevo, where recent tests have shown positive results for West Nile virus in local mosquito populations. The insecticide, which is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will be dispersed as a mist from trucks, and residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed during the operation and for 15 minutes afterward to minimize exposure. As of now, Riverside County has reported two human cases of West Nile virus in 2024, contributing to a total of seven cases statewide. With mosquito season peaking from May to October, health officials are urging residents to take precautions, such as limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to reduce breeding sites. While many infected individuals may not exhibit symptoms, common signs include fever, headache, and body aches. Last year, Riverside County recorded over 20 West Nile virus infections, with no fatalities reported.