West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes found in area

LOS ALTOS HILLS >> The Santa Clara County Vector Control District on Thursday plans to spray a section of Los Altos Hills after mosquitoes there tested positive for the West Nile virus.

The infected insects were collected in the 94022 ZIP code, the district said in a news release.

The area to be treated is centered at Purissima and Roble Ladera roads, and is bounded by Arastradero Road and Stirrup Way to the north, West Fremont Road to the east, Moody and South El Monte roads to the south, and Page Mill and Altamont roads to the west.

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

Though 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 record-breaking 53 people died of the disease.

Infections can cause fever, headaches, body aches and, in severe cases, significant neurological damage or death. Adults over the age of 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 weekdays at 408-282-3114, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions also can be sent to vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org.