Aerial West Nile Mosquito Search To Begin

July 21 - BCN -- Santa Clara County Vector Control District workers will conduct an aerial search this afternoon of residential areas that they believe may be prime locations for the spread of West Nile virus.

From noon to 4 p.m., a plane will fly over areas in Santa Clara County snapping photos of neglected backyard swimming pools that the District says are a favorite location for the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.

According to District Community Resource Specialist Kriss Costa, "Backyard sources of mosquitoes are a major concern to us because the main carrier of West Nile virus, the Culex pipiens mosquito, love to lay their eggs in artificial containers."

"Our field technicians routinely check the water sources in public areas, but they don't have ready access to backyard sources," she said.

The 25 square mile search area will include areas of Cupertino, Santa Clara, San Jose and Campbell, from Homestead Road south to Sunnyoaks and Curtner Avenues, west to DeAnza Boulevard and east to Winchester Boulevard.

"Suspect" pools and other sources will be photographed, categorized and assessed, according to the District.

The results of the aerial survey will arrive Monday and field technicians will begin contacting pool owners to arrange for the pools to be checked and, if necessary, treated.

"We expect this to be a collaborative and positive process between the District and the public," District Assistant Manager Russ Parman said.

"For the very small percentage of individuals who choose not to cooperate, the District can begin a formal abatement process and fines of up to $1,000 per day may be levied," he added.

According to the District, 34 birds and five groups of mosquitoes in Santa Clara County have so far tested positive for West Nile virus. No human cases have been reported.

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