Adult mosquitos collected from parts of the 95020 ZIP code region tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), the County of Santa Clara Vector Control District (SCCVCD) reported this week.
In order to prevent cases of WNV in humans, the county is undertaking operations to control the mosquito population around 10:00 p.m. on Aug. 26 that will last approximately three hours. The public will be notified of the scheduled control treatment via door hangers, AlertSCC, Nextdoor, and through SCCVCD’s social media pages. Click here for a map of the treatment area.
Residents in the area need not relocate during the treatment period, according to SCCVCD, but may choose to remain inside and keep windows closed for minimal exposure. Any persons with chemical sensitivities might want consult their physicians as a precaution.
West Nile Virus arrived in California in 2003. Since then, there have been 7,360 cases and 339 fatalities. Symptoms can include fever, head and body aches, and neurological damage or death in the most extreme cases; however, most people infected with WNV are asymptomatic.
In order to minimize the mosquito population on your own property, standing water should be drained or dumped weekly, including still water in smaller objects like planters or bird baths. Mosquitos lay their eggs in stagnant water. In addition, swimming pool water should stay above the pump circulation area. Free mosquitofish placement for pools or decorative ponds can be requested at www.sccvector.org. Door and window screens should also be properly fitted and replaced when necessary.
For assistance with mosquito control, West Nile Virus, or other vectors, contact the District office at (408) 918-4770 or click here to fill out an online service request. Vector Control staff can also be reached at (408) 282-3114 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, or at vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org to answer any questions.