1555 Berger Dr., #300San Jose, CA 95112www.sccvector.org

Contact:Noor Tietze, Ph.D. – 408-210-5773Russ Parman – 408-593-6176Heather Forshey - 408-593-6175

News ReleaseJune 19, 2009

Fogging to Suppress West Nile Virus MosquitoesScheduled in Sunnyvale

Santa Clara County, CALIF. - The Santa Clara County Vector Control District (“the District”) confirmed on June 11 that adult mosquitoes collected from the 94089 zip code area of Sunnyvale tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The detection of infected mosquitoes, followed the discovery of a West Nile Virus infected bird about a mile away on May 26, and has prompted the scheduling of mosquito fogging in the surrounding area to prevent human cases of WNV. Weather permitting, the ground fogging is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24th, at 11 PM, and will last several hours.

“As part of the District’s ongoing efforts of surveillance and control of mosquitoes, we will be conducting ground fogging to suppress the biting adult mosquitoes” said District Manager Heather Forshey. The fogging area is bordered by Highway 237 on the north, Fair Oaks Avenue on the west, Great America Parkway on the east, and E. Arques Avenue on the south. Information packets will be distributed in the fogging area on Friday, June 19th to notify residents about the fogging application.

A community informational open house meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 23rd at Lakewood Park in the multi-purpose room, 750 Lakechime Drive, Sunnyvale from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Residents from the fogging area are invited to attend the open house. Transmitted by mosquito bites, WNV causes mild to severe flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body ache and, in severe cases, significant neurological symptoms or even death. The elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk.

During 2008, California reported 445 human infections with 15 mortalities.

While no human cases of WNV have been confirmed in Santa Clara County, fogging to suppress WNV infected mosquitoes in the area will reduce the risk for human transmission of the virus.

Residents can visit the District’s website at www.sccvector.org to view a map of the fogging zone, as well as sign up for e-mail notification of any WNV activity in the County. Residents may also call the District’s WNV recorded hotline at 800-314-2427 for up-to-date information.

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Vector Control DistrictDepartment of Environmental Health

Fogging to Suppress West Nile Virus Mosquitoes Scheduled in Sunnyvale, Page 2

“It is important for residents to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes whenever they are outdoors and there is mosquito activity” continued District Manager Heather Forshey.

Other steps residents can take to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes are:• When outdoors, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants• Ensure that door and window screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering

homes• Consider using insect repellent at dusk and dawn• Call the District for free mosquito-eating fish for water sources on their property, such as

ponds, troughs, and decorative fountains• Contact the District to report mosquito problems or green pools/spas.

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