West Nile Detected in Southern Santa Clara Co.

SANTA CLARA, CA -- The Santa Clara County Vector Control District announced today that West Nile virus has been detected in adult mosquitoes in the southern part of the county.

The district will conduct mosquito control treatment in San Martin and surrounding areas at 11 p.m. Thursday in order to prevent human cases of the virus. The affected ZIP codes are 95020, 95037 and 95046.

The treatment, which will last about three hours, will be centered at Highland Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard. District officials said there is no need to relocate, but those who wish to minimize exposure can close windows and remain inside during the treatment. Those with chemical sensitivities may want to consult their doctors.

In order to prevent the spread of West Nile virus, district officials urge people to drain or dump standing water or anything that can hold water once a week since mosquitoes lay eggs in water. They also recommend that screens on doors and windows should be tight-fitting and in good condition and that people should avoid any outdoor activity between dusk and dawn.

Vector control staff will be available to answer questions at (800) 314-2427 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by email at vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org.

--Bay City News/Image via Shutterstock