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 plan to hand spray a section of the Chula Vista neighborhood after a resident returned from a trip abroad, where they were infected with the Zika virus.
The Chula Vista resident recently returned from a trip to a country where tropical, mosquito-borne illnesses, including the Zika virus, are active.
Mosquitoes and larvae that could carry the virus were also found near the Zika patient's residence. Officials plan to go door-to-door to residents' homes on Monday and leave notifications for people living where the spraying will occur.
The spraying marks the seventh area sprayed this year, but the first in more than three weeks.
Authorities notified residents of the spraying on Tuesday.
On Thursday, County officials will spray the area bordered by D street to the north, 5th Avenue to the east, Flower Street to the south, and midway between 5th Avenue and Broadway to the west.
Local
Aedes species of mosquitoes, which are known to carry Zika, are not native to San Diego County. Officials said they prefer to live close to people, which is unlike most native species. A female mosquito can lay anywhere from 100 to 300 eggs at a time.
When spraying the County will use Pyrenone, an insecticide derived from chrysanthemums, that poses low risk to people and pets. The chemicals dissipate in about half an hour.
To avoid exposure to the spray, officials are encouraging residents to stay inside with any pets, close doors and windows, cover fishponds, rinse fruits and vegetables from their gardens and wipe down outdoor items. Beekeepers are advised to cover their shelter hives and habitats.
Rebecca LaFreniere, Deputy Director with Department of Environmental Health San Diego County, suggested residents help the county control the aedes species of mosquitoes by routinely removing breeding areas around their home.
She said something as small as a toy, a lawn ornament or a saucer could provide a perfect amount of water for mosquitoes to multiply.
