July 15, 2004

South San Jose, Willow Glen areas are focus of West Nile virus search

Vector Control District asks residents to help spread the word

To help minimize the effects of West Nile virus (WNV) on the human population, the Santa Clara County Vector Control District will focus on specific areas of San Jose next week—Santa Teresa and Willow Glen.

High numbers of mosquitoes are being found in Santa Teresa and Willow Glen, making possible virus transmission to humans a serious concern.

The focus is due to the fact that 11 of the 18 West Nile-positive birds in Santa Clara County have been detected in these areas. Seven of these positive birds have been collected since July 7. High numbers of mosquitoes are also being found in these areas, making possible virus transmission to humans a serious concern.

Despite press reports naming Almaden as a focus, no West Nile virus-positive birds have been found specifically in Almaden this year, according to Dan Strickman, district ecologist. Strickman said the focus area is bordered by Interstate 280 to the north; the Santa Teresa foothills to the south; Monterey Road to the east; and Bascom Avenue to the west.

District technicians will be combing the neighborhoods of south San Jose and Willow Glen looking for any possible sources where mosquitoes may be developing. These could include neglected swimming pools, spas, fountains, ponds and creeks. The District will also be mailing out 5 ½-inch x 8 ½-inch cards alerting the residents that evidence of WNV has been found in their neighborhood, what precautions they should be taking to protect themselves and their families and to also alert the District if they know of any possible mosquito sources.

“It is very important that the residents in these areas know how to protect themselves and their families,” said District Manager Tim Mulligan. “Even though the virus could be anywhere in the County, all signs are pointing to the fact that this area may have the greatest potential, at this time, for having the first human case in the County this year.”

Help spread the word
The District is also asking residents to help spread the word about WNV. The District has doorknob hangers available to homeowner groups, neighborhood associations, civic groups and concerned citizens for distribution.

The Eden Neighborhood Association distributed over 840 of the hangers in one weekend and a resident and his two children requested some hangers to distribute after reading about the District’s shortage of manpower and funds in a newspaper.

“Residents can play a big part in this fight,” said District Spokesperson, Kriss Costa. “In addition to reporting possible mosquito breeding locations, residents can help by reminding their neighbors that something as simple as dumping out a bucket of water or running their swimming pool or spa filter everyday could eliminate thousands of mosquitoes.”

The District is also asking residents in the area to report any dead crows and jays, or raptors such as hawks, falcons or owls, that are dead less than 24 hours and show no signs of trauma from other animals or vehicles, to the State’s WNV Hot Line at 877-968-2473.

Since people 50 years of age and older are at higher risk of contracting WNV, the District will also be contacting Senior Centers and Senior housing located in the areas of concern. Signs alerting residents that WNV infected birds have been found may also be posted in the next few weeks in local parks.

The District, along with Santa Clara County Public Health Department, encourages residents to avoid engaging in outdoor activities in the early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. The use of a mosquito repellent is strongly recommended if you are out doors.

“We knew WNV was coming and we’re focusing our District’s resources to track and suppress developing mosquito populations” said Mulligan, “However, using insect repellent, such as DEET, is one of the simplest and most effective ways residents can protect themselves and their families from West Nile virus.”

“It is important for residents to remember that approximately 80 percent of those infected by West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms,” said County Health Officer Dr. Martin Fenstersheib. “Of the 20 percent who do show symptoms, most develop an illness know as West Nile fever. Less than 1 percent of those infected develop severe symptoms which can manifest as encephalitis, meningitis or flaccid paralysis.” In an effort to make local physicians aware of the presence of West Nile virus in the County, the Public Health Department issued a Physician’s Alert on July 6.

Other steps residents can take to protect themselves and their families against WNV and the mosquitoes that carry it are:

- Check yards weekly for any standing water in gutters, barrels, buckets, etc.
- Maintain swimming pools and spas with chlorine and filtration
- Make sure window screens and screen doors are in good repair
- Apply residual pesticides* to the outside of homes, screens, and shrubbery
- Use indoor aerosol pesticides* if mosquitoes get in the house

For more information on WNV residents can call the District at (408) 792-5010 or the Public Health Department at (408) 885-3980. * A list of suggested pesticides for mosquito control is available from the Vector Control District.