Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found in Milpitas. Tomorrow night, June 30, at around 10pm, truck-mounted equipment will be used to eliminate the mosquitoes and prevent spread of the virus. The process will go on for about 3 hours.
The bugs were found by The Vector Control District’s dedicated surveillance program.
A release put out by the District said, “There is no need to relocate during the treatment. Mosquito treatments pose minimal risk to people, pets, animals, and the environment when applied by a licensed vector control professional following label instructions. Those who would like to take extra precautions can keep family and pets inside during the treatment, with windows and doors shut during the duration of the control treatment (approximately three hours). By sunrise, the insecticide will quickly break down with the sunlight.”
Although most cases of the West Nile virus are asymptomatic, some people experience fevers, headaches, and/or body aches, or neurological damage and even death. People aged 50 and over with cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure struggle most with the disease.
First detected in California in 2003, the West Nile virus has since infected 7,474 state residents, killing 359. Last year brought 12 California deaths from the virus, down from 2015’s record high of 55.
Members of the public with questions can contact Vector Control staff Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm, by phone (408-282-3114) or email (vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org).
