The Santa Clara County Vector Control District (SCCVCD) has detected West Nile virus (WNV) positive tests in adult mosquitoes collected from an area around portions of the 94087, 95050 and 95051 ZIP code areas that include parts of the cities of Santa Clara and Sunnyvale.
The detection has prompted the scheduling of a truck-mounted adult mosquito control treatment in the area around the detection site, in an effort to prevent human cases of WNV. Weather permitting, the ground operations are scheduled for 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15, and will conclude a few hours later.
Door hangers notifying the public of the scheduled mosquito treatment were placed in neighborhoods beginning on Monday, Aug. 13. Notice is also being sent directly to the public in the treatment ZIP codes through AlertSCC, and to those who subscribe to Nextdoor neighborhood networks. General notice also is being provided on various social media platforms, including Yahoo Groups (SCCvector), Facebook, Twitter (SCCvcd), and the SCCvector app.
Monday through Friday, Vector Control staff will be available to answer any questions from the public at a dedicated phone number (800-314-2427) from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions can also be submitted by email to vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org.
The specific details of the operational areas are:
Treatment date: Wednesday, Aug. 15, 11 p.m., for approximately three hours
Supervisorial Districts: Districts 4 and 5
Cities: Santa Clara and Sunnyvale
Centered at: Benton St. and Kiely Blvd.
Bordered by:
- North: Cabrillo Ave., Machado Ave., Santa Maria Ave., and Warburton Ave.
- East: Long St., Scott Blvd., Fairfield Ave., and Robin Dr.
- South: E. Homestead Rd., Lehigh Dr., Kenyon Dr., Forbes Ave., and Taft Ave.
- West: Swallow Dr., Teal Dr., Turnstone Way, Halford Ave., and Lawrence Expressway
Treatment Zip codes: Portions of 94087, 95050 and 95051
Map at: https://arcg.is/05nH1q
During the adult mosquito control treatment operations, there is no need to relocate. However, those who wish to minimize exposure for family members or pets may wish to close windows and remain inside during the scheduled time period, which typically lasts three hours.
Individuals who have chemical sensitivities may want to consult their physicians. All control treatments utilized are approved by the Federal and State Environmental Protection Agencies and are widely used by Vector Control agencies throughout California.
Health Effects of West Nile Virus
Since the arrival of WNV to California in 2003, 6,601 people across the State have contracted the disease; 292 of those cases were fatal. In 2017, there were 44 human WNV related fatalities; 2015 was a record year for fatalities in the state with 53 deaths.
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.
The public can play an important role in preventing the spread of WNV. The following are some key prevention measures:
On your property:
- 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 condition.
- 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.
Outdoor Activities:
- Limit outdoor activities during dusk and 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:
- Dress in long sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors.
- Apply insect repellent following label instructions.
Contact the Santa Clara County Vector Control District if you are being bothered by mosquitoes or know of a potential mosquito-breeding source. For free assistance with mosquito control, WNV or other vectors, residents can contact the District office Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by calling (408) 918-4770, or by filling out a service request online at SCCvector.org.
