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 Lemon Grove neighborhood to prevent the spread of Aedes mosquitoes, which carry the Zika virus.
Mosquitoes and larvae that could carry the virus were found near people who tested positive for the Zika virus. Officials went door-to-door to residents' homes on Tuesday and left notifications for people living, indicating where the spraying will occur.
County officials will spray the area bordered by San Miguel Avenue on the north side, Corona Street to the west, midway between Tweed Street and Brunei Court on the south, and midway between New Jersey Avenue and Buena Vista Avenue to the east.
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.
Local
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 suggested something as small as a toy, a lawn ornament or a saucer could provide a perfect amount of water for mosquitoes to multiply.
