SAN JOSE – The Santa Clara County Vector Control District is taking action after discovering West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes in areas of San Jose and Milpitas.
The mosquitoes were found in the 95035 and 95134 ZIP codes, according to a news release from the district.
Starting at approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday, the district will use truck-mounted equipment to treat a specific area with Zenivex, an insecticide that targets and eliminates adult mosquitoes.
The area to be treated is centered around North Milpitas Boulevard and Homme Way, with borders including Dixon Landing Road, Firethorn Street, Buskirk Street, and Levin Street in the north; Levin Street, Gross Street, Gosser Street, Greathouse Drive, and Diel Drive in the east; Rancho Higuera Road, Garcia Court, Sudbury Drive, Summerwind Drive, and California Circle in the south; and California Circle and North McCarthy Boulevard in the west.
Residents are not required to relocate during the operation and the district assures that mosquito treatments pose minimal risk when administered by a licensed professional. However, individuals who wish to take extra precautions can stay indoors with windows and doors closed while the operation is in progress. Treatments usually take approximately four hours to complete.
The district explains that an increase in West Nile cases during the summer and early autumn is normal, as mosquitoes thrive in warm weather.
Since its arrival in California in 2003, the virus has infected over 7,000 people and caused nearly 400 deaths. In 2022, there were 15 deaths related to West Nile.
Infections can result in fever, headaches, body aches, and, in severe cases, significant neurological damage or death. Individuals with certain conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and cancer are at higher risk for serious complications.
Residents can contribute to the prevention of virus spread by eliminating or emptying stagnant water and reducing outdoor activity during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
For any inquiries regarding the operation, residents can contact the district’s West Nile Virus hotline at 408-282-3114 during weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or send an email to vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org.