West Nile Virus-Carrying Mosquitoes Found In Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Parts of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara will be treated for mosquitoes after the Santa Clara County Vector Control District confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in certain ZIP code areas of the two cities. Adult mosquitoes collected from an area around portions of the 94085, 94086, 95051 and 95054 ZIP code areas tested positive for the virus, authorities said in a news release Tuesday.

In an effort to prevent human cases of WNV, the county will perform truck-mounted adult mosquito control treatment beginning at 11 p.m. Thursday, July 26. The ground operation is weather-permitting and will continue for about three hours in the affected ZIP codes, according to Roger Ross of the county's Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency.

Ross said door hangers notifying the public of the scheduled mosquito treatment would be placed in the affected neighborhoods. General notice also was also being provided on various social media platforms, he said.

Specifically, the treatment is taking place in an area centered around Central Expressway and Semiconductor Drive in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, bordered to the north by Lakeside Drive, E. Ahwanne Avenue, Almaden Avenue, Alvarado Avenue and Amador Avenue; bordered to the east by Peterson Way, Garrett Drive, Oakmead Village Drive, Uranium Drive and Bowers Avenue; bordered to the south by Blue Sage Drive, Erica Drive, Gardenia Way, Fuschia Drive, Lily Avenue, Notre Dame Drive, Monroe Street, Vincent Drive and Agate Drive; and to the west by San Juan Drive, N. Fair Oaks Avenue, America Avenue, E. Evelyn Avenue and S. Wolfe Road.

County officials said there is no need to relocate during the treatment but those wishing to minimize exposure for family members or pets should close windows and remain inside during the scheduled time period.

"Individuals who have chemical sensitivities may want to consult their physicians," Ross said. "All control treatments utilized are approved by the Federal and State Environmental Protection Agencies and are widely used by Vector Control agencies throughout California."

According to public health officials, 292 Californians have died from West Nile virus since its arrival to the state in 2003. In 2017 in California, there were 44 human West Nile Virus related fatalities; 2015 was a record year for fatalities in the state with 53 deaths.

Authorities say WNV infection does not cause symptoms in most people; however, for some individuals it can cause fever, headache, body aches and, in severe cases, significant neurological damage or death. Adults older than 50 years and individuals with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and kidney disease are most at risk for serious complications, public health officials said.

Some ways the public can help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus include:

• Drain or dump standing water weekly, because mosquitoes lay eggs in water.
• 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.
• Ensure screens on doors and windows are tight-fitting and in good condition.
• Do not let your swimming pool water fall below the pump circulation area. Free mosquitofish placement can be requested through the SCC VCD for neglected pools or ornamental ponds.

To reduce the risk of mosquitoes, folks should limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Those who need to go outside in an area where mosquitoes are active should use insect repellent and dress in long-sleeved shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors.

For free assistance with mosquito control, WNV or other vectors, residents can contact the Santa Clara County Vector Control District office at 408-918-4770 or fill out a service request online at SCCvector.org.

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