By Khalida Sarwari
Parts of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara will be sprayed late Thursday night as part of a mosquito eradication effort to protect against the spread of West Nile virus.
The Santa Clara County Vector Control District scheduled the 11 p.m. truck-mounted mosquito control treatment after determining that a sampling of adult mosquitoes near Sunnyvale and Santa Clara had tested positive for the virus.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes and can cause mild to severe flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache and body ache. In severe cases, the virus can cause significant neurological damage and even death, according to the district.
The treatment will last about three hours and will be centered at Central Expressway and Semiconductor Drive. The areas are bordered by Lakeside Drive and E. Ahwanne, Almaden, Alvarado and Amador avenues on the north; Peterson Way, Bowers Avenue and Garrett, Oakmead Village and Uranium drives on the east; Gardenia Way, Lily Avenue, Monroe Street and Blue Sage, Erica, Fuchsia, Notre Dame, Vincent and Agate drives on the south; and San Juan Drive, S. Wolfe Road and N. Fair Oaks, America and E. Evelyn Avenues on the west.
Residents won’t need to relocate during the treatment operation, but can minimize their exposure by closing windows and staying indoors. Those who have chemical sensitivities may want to consult their physicians, according to the district.
Staff from the Santa Clara County Vector Control District will be available to answer questions and provide information all week long from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (800) 314-2427.
