The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District (SMCMVCD) has detected West Nile Virus (WNV) in adult mosquitoes collected on August 6, 2014, from two areas of the 94025 ZIP code area in Menlo Park. In response, the District will conduct a truck-mounted mosquito fogging treatment around the detection site, in an effort to prevent human cases of WNV. Weather-permitting, the mosquito fogging is scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2014, between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am.

This interactive map of the fogging area provides the general boundaries of the area to be treated. The SMCMVCD press release can also be found on the District website.

The SMCMVCD is a special district governed by a Board of Trustees (Note: This is not part of the City of Menlo Park.) Residents with questions about West Nile Virus or mosquito spraying/fogging can call the District at (650) 344-8592 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

After fogging is completed, mosquitoes will be collected from the treated areas and tested. If post-treatment mosquito samples are carrying West Nile Virus, the District may fog the area again.

West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The primary hosts are birds. Humans, horses and other animals can become infected with WNV if bitten by an infected mosquito. It cannot be spread person to person. Laboratory Director Dr. Nayer Zahiri noted that “West Nile Virus is more prevalent this year in San Mateo County and throughout the Bay Area. Residents should take precautions against mosquito bites.”

Reports of dead birds are an early indication that the virus is circulating in the environment. Residents are encouraged to help by reporting fresh carcasses of birds or tree squirrels to the West Nile virus hotline, online at www.westnile.ca.gov or by phone at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).

To prevent mosquito breeding on your property and to prevent mosquito bites, follow the “Three D’s”:

• DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls.
• DAWN and DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out.
• DEET– Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you.

For more information on West Nile Virus and other district services, or for assistance with a mosquito problem in San Mateo County, contact the District at (650) 344-8592.

SMCMVCD Contacts:
Brian Weber: (650) 344-8592 x21
Robert Gay: (650) 344-8592 x12
Nayer Zahiri: (650) 344-8592 x32