According to an official report released early this morning, the County of Santa Clara Vector Control District has identified West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in part of San Jose, specifically within ZIP code 95123. In response, a plan to mitigate the mosquito population through truck-mounted spraying is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 20. The spraying is expected to begin at 10 p.m. and conclude several hours later, weather conditions permitting, according to the County of Santa Clara.
The district is taking this measure as a preventative step against a public health crisis, given that a delay in such circumstances could increase the risk significantly. The spraying operation is intended to promptly reduce the adult mosquito population; this strategy has been part of a broader integrated pest management program active since 2003. Heavy emphasis is placed on targeting the immature stages of the mosquito's lifecycle before they become biting adults which could spread diseases like West Nile virus to humans, when adult mosquitoes test positive for the virus, immediate action is necessitated.
Mosquito activity, and consequently the threat of West Nile virus, typically peaks during warm weather, making this an expected yet urgent development for the summer. Santa Clara County health officials are continually monitoring for infections such as St. Louis encephalitis and western equine encephalitis, alongside West Nile, as part of their disease surveillance effort to identify and respond to risks in the vector population.
Residents in the areas subject to the upcoming mosquito control treatment have been informed via mailed postcards and through posts on social media platforms that include Facebook, Instagram, and X (@SCCVCD) and communication tools like AlertSCC and Nextdoor, as outlined in the county's communication strategy for such public health initiatives those seeking additional information about the West Nile virus and the precautions being taken can also reach out to the Vector Control staff via the West Nile Virus Hotline or by emailing the agency.
