West Nile virus found in mosquitoes in southern Santa Clara County

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 on Thursday night in an effort to prevent human cases of West Nile virus, which has resulted in 297 fatalities statewide since 2003, including five this year.

A map of the area that will be treated can be found here.

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 (east), Fitzgerald Avenue (South) and parts of CordeValle Club Drive (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 any questions from the public at 800-314-2427 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions can also be submitted by email to [email protected].