The Region : Precautions Against Mosquitoes Urged

Residents and visitors along the Colorado River are being warned by health officials to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes carrying both Western equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis viruses have been found at several locations in Southern California, said Dick Roberts, San Bernardino County environmental health services director. “We’re suggesting that people take every precaution against mosquito bites. They should use repellent, make sure their windows have adequate screening and stay inside at night if there is a big mosquito population in the area,” Roberts said. Evidence of mosquito-borne encephalitis has been found at Mecca in Riverside County, at three Imperial County sites and the Sepulveda Dam recreation area in Los Angeles County. So far this year there have been no cases of encephalitis in humans reported in California.