SANTA CLARA COUNTY – Mosquitoes in Milpitas have tested positive for West Nile Virus, officials said.
The Santa Clara County Vector Control District said the insects were collected in the 95035 ZIP code area.
The district has since scheduled a ground treatment for 11 p.m. Thursday. The area being treated is bordered by Dixon Landing Road to the north, Milpitas Boulevard and Abel Street to the east, Highway 237 and Bellew Drive to the south, and McCarthy Boulevard to the west.
While residents do not need to relocate during the typically three-hour treatment, they can minimize their exposure by closing windows and remaining inside, according to the district.
The district said West Nile Virus has infected 7,024 people and killed 309 since it arrived in California in 2003. In 2015, a record-breaking 53 people died of the disease.
An infection does not cause symptoms in most people, but for some individuals, it can cause fever, headache, body aches and, in severe cases, significant neurological damage or death. Adults over the age of 50 and those with certain chronic medical 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.
District employees are available to answer any questions from the public, Monday through Friday, at 408-282-3114, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions can also be sent to [email protected].
