West Nile Virus Detected In South Bay City
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — The County of Santa Clara Vector Control District has confirmed the detection of West Nile virus Los Altos Hills.
The virus was found in adult mosquitoes collected from portions of the 94022 ZIP code area that includes part of Los Altos Hills (see map), the district announced in a news release Tuesday.
The detection of West Nile virus in Santa Clara County follows the discovery of a dead bird found in Alameda County that tested positive for the virus last week.
Targeted spraying has been scheduled in the affected area to prevent the transmission of West Nile virus to humans.
Weather permitting, the ground operations are scheduled for approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, and will conclude a few hours later.
The district said its operation will adhere to all recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department regarding the coronavirus.
Door hangers notifying the public of the scheduled mosquito treatment started being placed in affected neighborhoods on Tuesday, officials said.
The district said it will also notify the public in the treatment ZIP codes through AlertSCC and Nextdoor. General notices will also be provided on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter (@SCCVCD), and the SCCVector app.
The district said the targeted area borders Arastradero Road and Stirrup Way E. to the north, W. Fremont Road to the east, Moody Road and South El Monte Road W. to the south and Page Mill Road and Altamont Road to the west.
There is no need to relocate during the treatment operations, district officials said, but those who wish to minimize exposure for family members or pets may close windows and remain inside during the scheduled time period, which typically lasts three hours.
Individuals who have chemical sensitivities should consult their physician.
All control treatments used by the district have been approved by the Federal and State Environmental Protection Agencies and are widely used by Vector Control agencies throughout California.
Since the arrival of West Nile virus to California in 2003, 7,024 people across the State have contracted the disease; 309 of those cases were fatal. In 2019, there were 6 human WNV related fatalities; 2015 was a record year for fatalities in the state with 53 deaths.
West Nile virus 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 and individuals with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and kidney disease are most at risk for serious complications.
Vector Control staff will be available to answer any questions from the public, Monday through Friday, at the dedicated phone number (408) 282-3114, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions can also be submitted by email to vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org.
This article originally appeared on the Los Gatos Patch
