South Bay residents and businesses are urged to be vigilant about standing water on their properties, as the invasive Aedes ageypti mosquito has been found in more locations despite eradication efforts. According to a statement Wednesday, Santa Clara County Vector Control said the mosquito, which bites during the day and can transmit diseases such as Zika, chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever, has been detected in at least five locations. Vector Control recently confirmed an infestation near Santa Teresa County Park in South San Jose, along with an expanded infestation in the city of Santa Clara.
In San Jose, at least 22 of the invasive mosquitoes were found in South San Jose, 151 were found in East San Jose and two more mosquitoes were found near the Oak Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park. Elsewhere in the county, 172 mosquitoes were found in Santa Clara and six were found in Gilroy. "The threat posed by Aedes aegypti is growing, and we need everyone to pitch in now to prevent this day-biting mosquito from becoming established in Santa Clara County," said Edgar Nolasco, director of the county's Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency.
Along with urging people to check for standing water, Nolasco urged those who live near infestations to work with Vector Control staff and allow them to inspect their properties. The Aedes aegypti mosquito has been found in at least four Bay Area counties and is already established in 19 counties in the state, mostly in the Central Valley.