Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus detected in San Martin area, treatment scheduled this week

The Santa Clara County Vector Control District announced Tuesday that West Nile virus has been detected in adult mosquitoes in the southern part of the county.

The district said it will conduct mosquito control treatment in San Martin and surrounding areas at 11 p.m. Thursday in an effort to prevent human cases of  the virus.

The affected ZIP codes are 95020, 95037 and 95046.

The treatment is expected to last about three hours. It will be centered at Highland Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard, according to the vector control district.

District officials said residents do not need to relocate, but they can minimize exposure by closing windows and staying indoors during the treatment. Those with chemical sensitivities may want to consult their doctors. 

To prevent the spread of West Nile virus, officials urge people to drain or dump standing water or anything that can hold water once a week since mosquitoes lay eggs in water.

The district also recommends people avoid getting bit by mosquitos by making sure screens on doors and windows are tight-fitting and in good condition and avoiding outdoor activity from dusk and dawn.

For questions about the virus mosquito control treatment you can contact vector control staff at (800) 314-2427 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by email at vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org.