What to Know
- No mosquito-transmitted Zika virus cases have been reported in San Diego County.
- Zika virus is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which actively bite humans during the daytime.
- Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.
County health officials sprayed a section of the Chula Vista neighborhood to prevent the spread of mosquitoes at risk of carrying Zika virus on Thursday morning.
The spray was prompted by the return of a Chula Vista resident who traveled to a country where tropical, mosquito-borne illnesses are active and contracted the Zika virus. A type of mosquito that can carry the virus were also found in an area near the patient's home.
County Vector Control technicians hand sprayed pesticide around residential homes in the neighborhood bordered by D street, 5th Avenue, Flower Street and Broadway.
Residents in the South Bay neighborhood told NBC 7 they were concerned both by the possible spread of Zika virus as well as the potential negative health consequences of pesticides.
"I get concerned because I have a senior at home and there's a lot of children that come by here," said Lynne Robinson, a local resident living in the neighborhood. "But if it has to be done, it has to be done."
The pesticide used in the spray, Pyrenone, is derived from chrysanthemums, dissipates within half an hour and is considered low risk to humans and pets, according to county health officials.
Local
This Chula Vista neighborhood was the first area to be sprayed in several weeks, although it was the seventh neighborhood sprayed this year.
Authorities notified residents about the spraying on Tuesday.
