First 2016 West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitoes Found In Campbell, San Jose

CAMPBELL - Health officials in Santa Clara County said Friday that the first 2016 West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes have been detected in Campbell and San Jose.

According to the Santa Clara County Vector Control District, adult mosquitoes collected from the 95125, 95124, 95008, and 95118 zip code areas of the cities of San Jose and Campbell have tested positive for West Nile virus.

County officials have already scheduled the first mosquito fogging treatments in the surrounding areas in an effort to prevent human cases of the virus.

According to the SCCVCD, weather permitting, ground fogging operations are scheduled for 11 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, and will conclude a few hours later.

The county says door hangers notifying residents of the scheduled fogging will be distributed in the affected neighborhoods starting on Saturday.

On Wednesday and Thursday, June 15 and 16, vector control staff will be available to answer questions via a dedicated phone line/voicemail (800-314-2427) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Officials say questions can also be submitted by email to vectorinfo@deh.sccgov.org.

Here are the specific details of the operation as provided by the Santa Clara County Vector Control District:

Fogging date: Wednesday, June 15, from 11:00 p.m. to approximately 2:00 a.m. the following morning, Thursday, June 16
Supervisorial District: District 4
Cities: San José and a small portion of East Campbell
Centered at: Curtner Avenue and Hicks Avenue
Bordered by:
o North - Willow Street
o East - Jonathan Avenue and Almaden Expressway
o South - Foxworthy Avenue
o West - South Peter Drive and Norman Avenue
Zip codes affected: 95125, and small portions of 95124, 95008, and 95118
Map at: http://arcg.is/1YcHNxw
“This initial detection of mosquitoes carrying WNV has occurred a month earlier this year than last year,” said Santa Clara County Vector Control District Manager Denise Bonilla. “This earlier detection doesn’t mean this season will be worse than last year. This just shows that county residents need to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites now.”
“We want to get ahead of the spread of the virus,” Bonilla continued. “So far this year there have not yet been any WNV human cases reported in the county or the state, and our goal is to prevent infected mosquitoes from transmitting WNV to Santa Clara County residents.”
During the fogging operation, there is no need to relocate. However, those who wish to minimize exposure for family or pets may wish to close windows and remain inside during the fogging period which is typically three hours in duration. Individuals who have chemical sensitivities may want to consult their physicians.
Health Effects of West Nile Virus
Since the arrival of WNV to California in 2003, 5,588 people across the State have contracted the disease; 229 of those cases were fatal. 2015 was a record year for fatalities in the state with 53 deaths.
WNV infection does not cause symptoms in most people, but in 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.
Residents can play a strategic role in preventing the spread of West Nile Virus. It is important to remain vigilant by taking practical steps to eliminate standing water around the home.
Some practical measures against mosquito bites are:
At home:
· 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 repair.
· 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.
Outdoors:
· Limit outdoor activities during DUSK & 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:
o Dress in long sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors.
o Apply insect repellent following label instructions.
Contact the 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 by calling (408) 918-4770 or fill out a service request online atSCCvector.org.

-mosquito image via Insects Unlocked/Flickr, map via SCCVCD