if you are in west san jose....

West San Jose to be sprayed for West Nile mosquitoes


pcarey@mercurynews.com
Posted: 07/04/2010 07:08:07 PM PDT
Updated: 07/04/2010 10:27:40 PM PDT


A big chunk of West San Jose will be fogged late at night July 13 because mosquitoes trapped in the area have tested positive for the West Nile virus.

The Santa Clara County Vector Control District said it plans to fog the surrounding area for several hours starting at 11 p.m. July 13.

"We have every indication that West Nile virus is very active at this time," said acting district manager Russ Parman. He said residents in the area should take precautions to avoid being bitten during the holiday weekend.

The area to be ground-fogged is bordered by Pruneridge Avenue and Hedding Street on the north, Saratoga Avenue on the west, Interstate 880 on the east, and Payne Avenue on the south, the district said. It is distributing information packets in the area next week.

A map of the fogging zone can be viewed at http://www.sccvector.org/

An open house information meeting will be held Friday at the Asian Americans for Community Involvement Community Center, Room 210, 2400 Moorpark Ave., from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The district advised people to prevent mosquito breeding by draining and dumping standing water and checking flowerpots and faucets for leaks. People in the area should limit outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, and when outdoors, wear mosquito repellent, the district advised.

There have been no human cases of the West Nile virus confirmed this year in Santa Clara County.

The virus can cause mild to severe flulike symptoms including fever, headache and body ache, and in severe cases it can cause neurological symptoms or even death, the district said. Particularly vulnerable are those older than 50 and people with high blood pressure.

Report dead birds or squirrels to the state of California West Nile virus hot line at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or at www.westnile.ca.gov.