The West Nile virus has recently made headlines in Santa Clara County California as more mosquitoes have tested positive for this potentially dangerous disease. In response to this threat additional sprayings have been ordered to control the mosquito population in affected areas. This article will look at the West Nile virus it’s symptoms & the steps that are being done to stop its spread.
Increased Sprayings to Fight West Nile Virus
Crews in Santa Clara County are preparing for more sprayings targeted at lowering the regions adult mosquito population. This follows an alarming rise in the quantity of mosquitoes demonstrating West Nile virus infection.
The Santa Clara County Vector Control District has announced a series of sprayings set to take place throughout the upcoming week.
Spray Schedule
- Tuesday: The first round of spraying was conducted on Quimby Road and Ruby Avenue in San Jose, targeting areas within ZIP codes 95121, 95135, and 95148, as well as a part of unincorporated Santa Clara County.
- Thursday: The focus will shift to Kirk Road and Tawnygate Way in San Jose, covering ZIP codes 95124 and 95118, as well as unincorporated areas.
- Monday: The final round of sprayings will take place in Milpitas and other unincorporated county areas, with a particular emphasis on ZIP codes 95035 and 95132, centered around Yellowstone Avenue and Westridge Drive
Each night’s spraying is scheduled to start around 10 p.m., utilizing truck-mounted equipment to apply Zenivex, an insecticide that targets and kills adult mosquitoes. It’s important to note that residents do not need to relocate during these operations, as the Vector Control District emphasizes that mosquito treatments pose minimal risk when applied by licensed professionals.
However, individuals wishing to take extra precautions can remain indoors with windows and doors shut while the operation is underway. The entire treatment process typically takes about four hours.
West Nile Virus and It’s Symptom’s
The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that lean to become more prevalent during late summer & early fall due to warm weather which provides ideal environment for mosquitoes to produce.
It is important to understand that for most of people under the age of 60 years are without certain medical conditions the risk of serious illness is low. In fact, most individuals who contract the virus experience mild or no symptoms at all.
Common Symptoms
- Fevers
- Headaches
- Body Aches
In more severe cases individuals may experience neurological symptoms. It is crucial to seek medical attention if you or someone you know exhibits these severe symptoms after potential exposure to the West Nile virus.
West Nile Virus Beyond Santa Clara County
The West Nile virus isn’t confined to Santa Clara County alone. In nearby San Benito County two sentinel chickens recently tested positive for the virus. This under scores the importance of monitoring & controlling mosquito populations in the various regions.
West Nile Virus in California
The West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito borne disease in California & it has had a significant impact over the years. Since 2003 at least 347 deaths in the state have been attributed to the virus. In 2023 there have been no human cases reported on the Central Coast.
However, every county surrounding the Central Coast has seen at least one human or animal test positive for the West Nile virus. This year has been particularly challenging with 75 human cases reported in the state more than double the number at the same time last year.
Conclusion
The West Nile virus remains a concern in various parts of California including Santa Clara County & neighboring regions. The recent increase in positive tests among mosquitoes has prompted additional sprayings to control the mosquito population. While the virus can be serious it is important to remember that most individuals experience mild or no symptoms.
However, vigilance and preventive measures are essential. Especially during the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active. Stay informed about local health advisories and take appropriate pre-cautions to protect yourself and your community from this mosquito borne disease.
As the author of azposts.com, I brings you a wealth of information on news, tech, entertainment, health, sports, business, and food. With a passion for delivering precise details, my mission is to keep you well-informed across various domains, making azposts.com your go-to source for knowledge and updates. View the all posts by Zafar Ali