West Nile-positive mosquitoes found in Palo Alto, Stanford

PALO ALTO – The Santa Clara County Vector Control District is set to spray parts of Palo Alto and Stanford after mosquitoes there tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The infected insects were collected in the 94301, 94304, 94305 and 94306 ZIP codes, the district said in a news release.

The area to be treated is centered at Page Mill Road and Hanover Street, and is bounded by Alma Street, Emerson Street, Ramona Street, South Ramona Street and Bryant Street to the north; Wilton Avenue, Military Way, La Para Way, Ilima Way and Matadero Creek to the east; Foothill Expressway and Junipero Serra Boulevard to the south; and Santa Maria Avenue, Dolores Street, Santa Ynez Street, Campus Drive, Arguello Way, Bonair Siding Road and Churchill Avenue to the west.

The operation will begin around 10 p.m. Thursday, weather permitting, the district said.

Residents do not need to relocate during the operation, the district said, adding that mosquito treatments pose minimal risk when applied by a licensed professional. But those wishing to take extra precautions can remain indoors with windows and doors shut while the operation is underway. Treatments take about four hours.

The district said West Nile has infected more than 7,000 people and killed nearly 400 since it arrived in California in 2003. In 2022, there were 15 virus-related deaths.

Infections can cause fever, headaches, body aches and, in severe cases, significant neurological damage or death. People with certain 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.

Anyone with questions about the operation can call the district’s West Nile Virus hotline at 408-282-3114, available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or email [email protected].