Full Notification

The Santa Clara County Vector Control District (SCCVCD) confirmed on August 30, 2012 that adult mosquitoes collected from the 94040 ZIP code area of Mountain View tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The detection of mosquitoes infected with WNV has prompted the scheduling of a mosquito fogging treatment in the surrounding area, in an effort to prevent human cases of WNV. Weather permitting; the ground fogging is scheduled for Tuesday, September 4, at 11:00 pm, and is planned to last for several hours.

The fogging area is generally bordered by Villa St. and Escuela Ave. on the north, Clark Ave., Verano Dr., N. Gordon Way, S. El Monte Ave. and Campbell Ave. on the west, Freeway 85 and Sun Mor Ave. on the east, and Covington Rd. and Levin Ave. on the south. A live map can be viewed at http://goo.gl/maps/NZdmZ. The southern 25% of this new area overlaps the August 9 treatment zone.

Scott Bourdon, Director of Environmental Health notes that “The high level of WNV activity seen elsewhere in the U.S. indicates that infection rates for the virus can surge. Control of infected adult mosquitoes is intended to prevent a surge from happening here and to prevent human cases of WNV.”

Information packets will be distributed in the fogging area September 1 and 2, notifying residents about the fogging operation. As an added convenience, on September 3 and 4, staff from the Santa Clara County Vector Control District will be available during extended hours from 7:30 am to 7 pm via a dedicated phone line/voicemail (800-314-2427) to answer questions and provide information.

Transmitted by mosquito bites, WNV causes mild to severe flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and, in severe cases, significant neurological damage or even death. The elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most susceptible. Since the arrival of WNV to California in 2003, 3,190 people across the State have contracted the disease; 112 of those cases were fatal. So far this year there are 44 cases statewide, with two fatalities. Last season, the District conducted four fogging operations in Santa Clara County, and one non-fatal human case occurred near a WNV hot spot.

Acting District Manager Russ Parman said, “It's important for residents to take precautions over the long holiday weekend to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes while outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn. People can also help by draining standing water and reporting other sources of mosquito breeding such as neglected swimming pools.”

Some practical measures against mosquito bites are:

At home:
•DRAIN or DUMP standing water weekly since this is where mosquitoes lay eggs. Check items such as flowerpots and planter bases, toys, cans, leaky water faucets and sprinklers, rain gutters, buckets, pools, ponds, and old tires.
•Make sure your DOORS and windows have tight-fitting screens.

Outdoors:
•Limit outdoor activities during DUSK & DAWN to prevent mosquito bites. Those are the times when the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active.

If you need to go outside at dusk or dawn, or when in an area where mosquitoes are active:

•DRESS in long sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably of light colors.
•Apply insect repellent following label instructions.

Always contact the Vector Control District if you are being bothered by mosquitoes or know of a potential mosquito-breeding source.

Dead birds may indicate the presence of WNV and leads to the surveillance that detects the virus in mosquitoes. The District’s laboratory allows in-house testing for WNV and other vector-borne diseases throughout the year. The District asks Santa Clara County residents to report crows, jays, or birds of prey that have been dead for less than 48 hours and do not appear to have died because of an injury. People who find those birds should call the State of California WNV hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD (2473) or at www.westnile.ca.gov

Residents can visit the District’s website at www.sccvector.org to view a map of the fogging zone, read the latest alerts about WNV activity in the County, and request advice or services.

For free assistance on mosquito control, WNV, or other vectors, residents can contact the District office by calling (408) 918-4770/(800) 675-1155 or fill out a service request online at www.sccvector.org.