Mosquito Fogging Resumes In West San Jose, Campbell

CAMPBELL, CA – Another round of West Nile virus mosquito fogging resumes Thursday night for residents in portions of West San Jose and Campbell, according to the Santa Clara County Vector Control District.

In the latest fight against the virus, residents in the 95117, 95128, 95008, and 95050 ZIP code areas of the cities of San José and Campbell will see ground fogging operations that are scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, and conclude a few hours later.

The Vector Control District has confirmed that adult mosquitoes collected from the listed ZIP codes tested positive for West Nile virus.

It was the detection of mosquitoes infected with the virus that prompted the latest scheduling of the mosquito fogging treatment in an effort to prevent human cases, according to the VCD.

Also on Patch:

• South Bay Mosquito Ground Fogging Resumes Thursday Night
• Spraying Set For South San Jose After More Mosquitoes Found With West Nile Virus
• First 2016 West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitoes Found In Campbell, San Jose

The VCD says door hangers notifying residents of the scheduled fogging will be distributed in the affected neighborhoods starting on Tuesday, July 19.

On Thursday and Friday, July 21 and 22, vector control staff say they will answer questions via a dedicated phone line/voicemail (800-314-2427) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Questions can also be submitted by email to vectorinfo@deh.sccgov.org.

Here are the specific details of the operation, according to the VCD:

• Fogging date: Thursday, July 21, from 11:00 p.m. to approximately 2:00 a.m. the following morning, Friday, July 22
• Supervisorial District: Portions of District 4
• Cities: San José and Campbell
• Centered at: Williams Road & South Winchester Boulevard
• Bordered by:
• o North – Stevens Creek Boulevard, Highway 280
• o East – Highway 17, South Bascom Ave
• o South – East Hamilton Avenue
• o West – San Tomas Expressway
• Zip codes affected: 95117, 95128, 95008, 95050
• Map at: http://arcg.is/29JTFCb

The Vector Control District claims during the fogging operation, there is no need to move from your usual location. "However, those who wish to minimize exposure for family or pets may wish to close windows and remain inside during the fogging period which is typically three hours in duration. Individuals who have chemical sensitivities may want to consult their physicians."

The VCD also lists practical measures you can take to avoid mosquito bites:

• At home:
• · Mosquitoes lay eggs in water. DRAIN or DUMP standing water weekly.
• · Drain, remove, or turn over anything that can hold water: flowerpots, planter bases, bird baths, toys, cans, rain gutters, pet dishes, buckets, and old tires. Fix leaky water faucets and sprinklers.
• · Screens on doors and windows should be tight-fitting and in good repair.
• · Do not let your swimming pool water fall below the pump circulation area. Free mosquitofish placement can be requested through the SCCvcd for neglected pools or ornamental ponds.
• Outdoors:
• · Limit outdoor activities during DUSK & DAWN to prevent mosquito bites. Those are the times when the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active.
• · If you need to go outside in an area where mosquitoes are active:
• o Dress in long sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors.
• o Apply insect repellent following label instructions.

For free assistance with mosquito control, WNV, or other vectors, residents can contact the District office by calling (408) 918-4770 or fill out a service request online at SCCvector.org.

-image via Dave Colby