A local mosquito pool has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

A second pool has been identified as positive for St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV). The WNV positive mosquito pool is in the Winterhaven area while the SLEV pool is in the Bard area. The Imperial County Public Health Department reported that samples were taken on June 11, 2026, and the positive results received on June 18. The Public Health Department's Vector Control Program maintains 52 mosquito traps throughout the county. The traps are checked several times a week. WNV and SLEV are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitos. Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, rash and fatigue. Most of the time people experience mild illness or no symptoms but both viruses can cause severe illness affecting the nervous system. Steps on how to actively reduce the threat of the virus are available on the health departments website.