West Nile Positive Mosquitoes Found in Multiple Areas of Santa Clara County
I hope this finds you well.
Mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile Virus have been found in multiple parts of Santa Clara County in recent weeks.
More than 7,000 people across the state have contracted West Nile Virus since it arrived in California in 2003, nearly 400 have died. In 2022, there were 15 West Nile-connected deaths.
The virus does not cause symptoms in most people. However, for some it causes fever, headache, body aches, and in severe cases significant neurological damage or death. People with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and kidney disease, and the elderly are most at risk.
There are several things you can do to help control the mosquito population and limit the spread of West Nile Virus, including:
• Inspect for standing water on a weekly basis.
• Drain or turn over anything that can hold water, such as flowerpots, planter bases, pet dishes, buckets and old tires. • Clean items like bird baths and pet bowls once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
• Clear debris from rain gutters on a regular basis to allow water to flow.
• Properly screen rain barrels, cisterns and irrigation drains to prevent mosquito access.
• Fix leaky water faucets and broken sprinkler heads and avoid overwatering lawns and plants.
• Ensure window and door screens are in good condition with no holes or tears and are tight-fitting.
• Ensure swimming pool water level is adequate for proper circulation and filtration.
• Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn – these are the times when the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active. • If spending time outdoors, dress in long-sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors – mosquitoes are mostly attracted to dark colors.
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, always following label instructions.
Free mosquitofish can be requested online for placement in neglected pools/spas, ornamental ponds, water troughs and other artificial bodies of water. For more information on our mosquitofish program:
visit SCCVector site
Contact the County of Santa Clara Vector Control District if you are being bothered by mosquitoes or know of a potential mosquito-breeding source. For free assistance with mosquito control or other vectors, residents can contact the District office at (408) 918-4770 or submit an online service request.
Service Request form
Vector Control will be conducting truck-based mosquito treatments on August 2 in ZIP codes 95035 and 95134 and on August 3 in ZIP codes 94085, 94086, 94087, and 95051.
You can find more information about these treatments here:
Visit The Vector Control Site
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Meeting and fair
Getting tested if you feel sick or have been potentially exposed to someone with COVID is one of the most important tools to not only control the pandemic but also protect your own health and the health of your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.
You can get free at-home COVID tests from the County's Better Health Pharmacy in Downtown San Jose. Residents can get two test boxes, a total of four tests, for free and they do not have to show any form of identification to receive them. Better Health Pharmacy is located at 725 E. Santa Clara Street, Suite 202.
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Ask VTA About Transit Oriented Development
Santa Clara County is projected to see more growth in the coming years than any other county in the Bay Area. What are cities and VTA doing to prepare for this growth sustainably? And how do we make sure that future development helps create spaces where people can work, live, and play with easy access to public transit?
VTA’s Land Use and Transit-Oriented Development programs aim to encourage smart growth in Santa Clara County. By working closely with municipal, nonprofit, and private partners, we can encourage housing, retail, and employment centers to grow in places that will increase transit ridership and contribute to a vibrant and equitable community.
VTA will be hosting a free webinar about transit-oriented development on August 7 to answer questions from the public.
Ask VTA: Transit-Oriented Development and Land Use
Monday, August 7, 2023
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom:
RSVP Zoom meeting
Santa Clara County Fair Runs Through August 6
This year the fair includes four stages featuring a variety of free entertainment including a vast mix of music from different genres and eras. You can:
Become a child again watching the children's magic acts and magician, or at the Comedy Hypnosis Show starring Terry Stokes.
Show off your voice and sing karaoke or watch The Canine Show from America’s Got Talent during their daily shows,
Experience exotic animals at Safari Encounter,
Explore gems and minerals, watch them carve stones, and much more.
Get up close with animals, watch daily livestock shows, visit Little Hands on the Farm where kids will have access to interactive agricultural education activities and join us for the Jr Livestock Auction on Sat, August 5th.
Explore the many Home Arts displays, hone your artistic skills at the offered classes,
Enjoy the Cesar Chavez- Farmworkers Heroes Exhibit.
Forget your diet and indulge in the most mouthwatering fair foods, including Angelo’s Pepper Steaks, and many international foods. Take a stroll down Art Alley, visit the many vendors, ride the carnival rides, and much more.
You can find more information and purchase tickets here:
