West Nile-positive mosquitos discovered in San Jose

Officials urge public to use insect repellent

By Jason Bennert, Bay City News Service

June 28, 2006

SAN JOSE (BCN) - Two infected birds and a number of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus have been found in west San Jose in the past week, the Santa Clara County Vector Control District announced today.

The birds and mosquitoes were found in the area around Prospect Road and Johnson Avenue. This is the first instance of West Nile-positive mosquitoes found in the county this year and officials are preparing to spray the area if more are discovered.

"Although there have not been any human or horse cases reported in Santa Clara County this year, the detection of positive mosquitoes elevates the concern that human cases of West Nile Virus may occur in this area,''

Vector Control District Manager Tim Mulligan said. "Five West Nile Virus human cases have already been reported in the U.S. this year with California's first . . . human case, from Kern County, reported late last week.''

Officials want to remind the public to take precautions, and use insect repellant, over the July 4th holiday to ward off mosquito bites. Dead birds should also be reported.

"We would like to remind all residents to please call the state's Dead Bird Hotline . . . 877-968-2473 if they find a dead bird,'' district spokeswoman Kriss Costa said. "Dead bird reports continue to play an important role in pinpointing locations where West Nile Virus may occur in our community.''

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