Parts of Santa Clara to be sprayed after mosquitoes test positive for West Nile

SANTA CLARA >> A swath of Santa Clara is set to be sprayed after mosquitoes there tested positive for West Nile virus.

The infected insects were collected from portions of the 95054, 95051 and 95050 ZIP code areas, the Santa Clara County Vector Control District said in a news release.

The district said the target zone is largely industrial and commercial, with about 10% residential. It is bounded by Montague Expressway and Walsh Avenue to the north, De La Cruz Boulevard and West Trimble Road to the east, Warburton Avenue to the south and Bowers Avenue to the west.

The spraying operation is slated to begin at 10 p.m. Tuesday and will take three hours to complete.

While residents do not need to relocate, they can minimize their exposure by closing windows and remaining inside.

The district said West Nile virus has infected 7,024 people and killed 309 since it arrived in California in 2003. In 2015, a recordbreaking 53 people died of the disease.

Infections can cause fever, headaches, body aches and, in severe cases, significant neurological damage or death. Adults older than 50 and those with certain conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease and cancer are most at risk for serious complications.

Residents can help prevent the spread of the virus by draining or dumping standing water and limiting outdoor activity during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

District employees are available to answer any questions from the public at 408-282-3114, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Questions also can be sent to vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org.