A local mosquito pool has tested positive for Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE).

The Imperial County Public Health Department identified the mosquito pool in the city of Imperial. A sample was collected on June 20 and tests confirmed the presence of SLE. This is the first positive mosquito pool for SLE identified in Imperial County this year. SLE is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The Health Department's Vector Control Program has approximately 52 mosquito traps placed strategically throughout Imperial County, mostly within city limits. The traps are checked several times a week and mosquito pools are collected weekly. 

Symptoms of SLE include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. Jeff Lamoure, Deputy Director of Environmental Health recommends people take precautions, like wearing insect repellent and minimizing outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active.