The Santa Clara County officials have announced that they will be undertaking a spray campaign to combat the invasion of an aggressive species of mosquitoes in an East San Jose neighborhood. The mosquitoes, known as Aedes aegypti, were first discovered in early April, with 12 female mosquitoes found in a residential area near Machado Lane.

The Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are invasive to the region and pose a significant threat as carriers of diseases such as Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Of particular concern is the potential harm to pregnant individuals, as Zika has been linked to birth defects and infant health issues.

At a recent news conference, Nayer Zahiri, the manager of the Santa Clara County Vector Control District, emphasized the county's dedication to preventing the establishment of this dangerous mosquito species. In their efforts, county authorities will spray the affected area with a pesticide that targets the larvae of the mosquitoes. This treatment, called Wide Area Larvicide Spraying and derived from a non-toxic bacteria, is safe for humans, beneficial insects, and other wildlife. Multiple rounds of spraying are planned over the next few months.

It is important to note that although the risk posed by the mosquitoes remains low, rare cases of illnesses associated with Aedes aegypti have been reported in the county. These cases have primarily originated from individuals who have traveled to areas where the mosquito is already established. The area of concern has now expanded to approximately 118 acres of the East San Jose neighborhood, covering over 250 properties.

Previous instances of Aedes aegypti infestations, such as those discovered in October 2022 at the Newby Island Landfill, were successfully eradicated. However, the current residential infestation presents a more complex challenge, as Edgar Nolasco, the director of the Santa Clara County Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency, explained. The mosquitoes' adaptability to various environments and their ability to feed on other mosquitoes make controlling their population harder. Furthermore, their preference for laying eggs in small containers poses a breeding challenge due to the difficulty of locating all potential sources.

The Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, measuring about a quarter-inch long, are identifiable by black and white stripes on their bodies and legs. Their tiny eggs can easily go unnoticed, resembling specks of dirt. These mosquitoes specifically lay their eggs above the water line in artificial water sources such as buckets, pet dishes, fountains, plant pots, old tires, and birdbaths.

The county officials have yet to determine how the mosquitoes were introduced to East San Jose. However, they suggest that the insect's eggs may have been inadvertently transported to the area, as these eggs can survive devoid of water for up to a year. The persistence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, along with their continuous activity throughout the day and their tendency to bite multiple times, highlights the importance of removing any potential sources of standing water where these mosquitoes could breed and propagate.

To actively combat the invasion, county officials recommend diligent cleaning and scrubbing of bird baths, pet dishes, and other containers to eliminate any lingering eggs. Additionally, residents are advised to properly screen rain barrels, cisterns, and irrigation drains to prevent mosquito access. Moreover, protecting oneself by using EPA-registered insect repellents containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus is highly encouraged. Wearing long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks, and shoes during active mosquito periods, as well as ensuring the maintenance of window and door screens, should also be prioritized.

To safeguard public health, Santa Clara County officials are taking proactive measures to fight the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito population. Through a strategic bacterial spray campaign and community participation in eliminating potential breeding grounds, the county aims to prevent the establishment of this menacing species and protect the well-being of its residents.