West Nile Mosquitos Found In 3 Palo Alto ZIP Codes

PALO ALTO, CA — Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been detected in areas of Palo Alto, and crews are scheduled to treat the area early next week.

County public health officials confirmed the detection Thursday in the 94301, 94303 and 94306 ZIP codes, centered around Moreno Avenue and Moss Road. The Vector Control District will perform targeted mosquito-control treatments Monday evening, weather permitting.

Crews using truck-mounted equipment will begin work at 10 p.m. and should wrap up within a few hours.

According to the county, it is normal to see an uptick in West Nile virus during summer and early fall as mosquitoes thrive in warm weather, and the Vector Control District maintains a surveillance program to quickly detect diseases, including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and western equine encephalitis — all of which can be transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes.

Since West Nile arrived in the Golden State in 2003, officials said more than 8,000 Californians have contracted the disease, and nearly 400 cases were fatal. There were 18 deaths linked to West Nile Virus in the state last year. Last week, Santa Clara County confirmed its first two human West Nile cases of the year, including an immunocompromised person who died.

While the infection may not cause symptoms in most people, in others it can cause a fever, headaches, and body aches. In severe cases, people can experience significant neurological damage or death. According to the health department, people over 60 or with certain medical conditions can be at greater risk than the broader population.

Potential mosquito breeding grounds can be reported to the Vector Control District at 408-918-4770 or by submitting an online request.