The detection of West Nile virus in Mountain View has led county officials to schedule fogging operations in affected neighborhoods next week to prevent it from spreading.
Adult mosquitoes collected in Mountain View’s 94043 zip code have tested positive for the virus, according to the Santa Clara County Vector Control District. Infected mosquitoes were also found in parts of Palo Alto.
Fogging operations are scheduled 11 p.m. to approximately 2 a.m. Monday (July 13).
Zenivex E4, the chemical used for local fogging operations, is an EPA-approved, reduced-risk insecticide, according to county vector control district manager Denise Bonilla, so it’s safe for residents to venture outside during the spraying. But anyone who is chemically sensitive should remain indoors, Bonilla added.
Last year, the virus was detected much later in the season and in a more northern portion of the county, according to the vector control district.
“We want to get ahead of the spread of the virus,” Bonilla said in a press release. “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.”
West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Most people infected do not display signs or symptoms of the virus, but it can potentially cause life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Locals are encouraged to wear long sleeves, long pants and mosquito repellant at dusk and dawn – times when the insects are most active. As mosquitoes lay eggs in water, all standing water should be dumped at least once a week. The vector control district offers free assessments to residents experiencing mosquito infestations and even provides complimentary mosquito fish for ornamental ponds and neglected swimming pools.
Since the arrival of West Nile virus to California in 2003, 4,805 people across the state have contracted the disease; 176 of those cases were fatal, according to the vector control district.
Residents with concerns or questions about the fogging are encouraged to phone county vector control at (800) 314-2427; staffers are slated to field calls 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Monday and Tuesday. Inquires may also be submitted via email at [email protected].
