Mosquito spraying in San Jose, Milpitas after West Nile discovery

SAN JOSE – The Santa Clara County Vector Control District is going on the offensive after finding West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes in parts of San Jose and Milpitas.

The insects were found in the 95035 and 95134 ZIP codes, the district said in a news release.

Starting around 10 p.m. Wednesday, the district plans to use truck-mounted equipment to treat a “limited area” with Zenivex, an insecticide that targets and kills adult mosquitoes.

The area to be treated is centered at North Milpitas Boulevard and Homme Way, and is bordered by Dixon Landing Road, Firethorn Street, Buskirk Street and Levin Street to the north; Levin Street, Gross Street, Gosser Street, Greathouse Drive and Diel Drive to the east; Rancho Higuera Road, Garcia Court, Sudbury Drive, Summerwind Drive and California Circle to the south; and California Circle and North McCarthy Boulevard to the west.

Residents do not need to relocate during the operation, the district said, adding that mosquito treatments pose minimal risk when applied by a licensed professional. But those wishing to take extra precautions can remain indoors with windows and doors shut while the operation is underway. Treatments take about four hours.

The district said it is normal to see an increase in West Nile during the summer and early fall because mosquitoes thrive in warm weather.

The virus has infected more than 7,000 people and killed nearly 400 since it arrived in California in 2003, the district said. In 2022, there were 15 West Nile-related deaths.

Infections can cause fever, headaches, body aches and, in severe cases, significant neurological damage or death. People 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.