Residents of San José are on alert after discovering mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus. The County of Santa Clara Vector Control District verified the presence of the virus in ZIP codes 95123 and 95136. According to Santa Clara County, adult mosquitoes in these areas will undergo a targeted treatment next week to mitigate the risk to public health.
The treatment, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6, aims to reduce the local mosquito population by using truck-mounted spraying equipment starting at 10 p.m. To proactively combat the spread of WNV, the district has plans to quickly respond to the virus's detection, a strategy that includes broad public notifications. As part of their integrated pest management strategies, a routine program focuses primarily on limiting the immature stages of mosquitoes.
The district has underscored the safety of the mosquito control treatments, which include the use of pesticides approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The public is advised that they won't need to relocate during the operations and that the pesticides are considered minimal risks when professionals follow appropriate guidelines.
The necessity to act swiftly comes with the virus's potential health impacts. "Since West Nile virus arrived in California in 2003, more than 8,000 people across the state have contracted the disease; nearly 400 of those cases were fatal", states Santa Clara County. The symptoms may range from mild fever to severe neurological effects and, in select vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with certain chronic medical conditions, can prove to be fatal.
The district is employing a multipronged effort to keep the public informed, reaching out via mailed postcards, social media, and direct alerts through the AlertSCC system. The Vector Control staff remain available to address any public queries at the West Nile Virus Hotline at (408) 282-3114 or by email at [email protected].
