West Nile found; spraying tonight

West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes collected from an area in the 95020, 95037 and 95046 ZIP codes in southern Santa Clara County, including parts of San Martin, authorities announced Tuesday.

The Santa Clara County Vector Control District is planning to spray chemicals tonight in an effort to prevent human cases of West Nile virus, which has resulted in 297 fatalities statewide since 2003, including five this year.

The vector control district said the truck-mounted treatment will begin at 11 p.m. and last a few hours. The center of the treatment area is Highland Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard and is bordered by San Martin Avenue to the north, Llagas Avenue and Monterey Highway to the east, Fitzgerald Avenue to the south and parts of CordeValle Club Drive to the west.

The county vector control district said there is no need to relocate during the treatment, but those who want to limit exposure can close windows and remain inside. The chemicals used in the treatment are approved by federal and state environmental protection agencies, the county said.

Since the arrival of West Nile virus to California in 2003, 6,696 people across the state have contracted the disease, according to the county.

Officials from Vector Control are available to answer questions from the public from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 800-314-2427. Questions can be submitted by email to vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org.