Spraying planned for parts of South San Jose after West Nile-positive mosquitoes found
Vector Control officials are planning mosquito spraying in parts of South San Jose and unincorporated Santa Clara County later this week, after a group of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes were found.
The County of Santa Clara Vector Control District announced Tuesday that mosquitoes with the virus were found in zip codes 95111, 95112, 95125 and 95136.
In response, the district will conduct spraying in an area centered at Monterey and Umbarger roads starting at 10 p.m. Thursday night, weather permitting. Spraying is expected to take two to four hours.
According to a map provided by the district, the spraying area is roughly bordered by San Jose Avenue and Phelan Avenue to the north; Senter Road to the east; Hillsdale Avenue, Snell Avenue and Senter Road to the south; and Highway 87, the Guadalupe River and Almaden Road to the west.
Officials said residents do not need to relocate during treatment. Pesticides are applied at an "ultra-low volume," approved by the EPA for use in public areas, and used by vector control agencies throughout the state.
Earlier this month, officials conducted spraying in parts of North San Jose and Milpitas, after two West Nile-positive mosquitoes were found.
Tuesday's announcement comes days after county health officials announced the first two cases of the virus this year.
According to the health department, one of the patients was an immunocompromised adult and died at a hospital after experiencing West Nile symptoms. The second patient, also an adult, was also hospitalized but was recovering at home as of Aug. 14.
Spread by mosquitoes, West Nile virus infection can cause fever, headaches and body aches. In severe cases, the virus can cause significant neurological damage or even death. People with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and kidney disease, along with the elderly, are most at risk for serious complications.
Tips to prevent the spread of West Nile can be found on the Vector Control website.
