Number of West Nile-Positive Mosquitoes Spikes Near Los Penasquitos Lagoon

SAN DIEGO, CA: County officials announced Monday their plans to conduct pesticide spraying this week in neighborhoods north of the Los Penasquitos Lagoon, where increasing numbers of mosquitoes in the area have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The ground spraying is scheduled between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. Wednesday north of Carmel Valley Road, between the Coast Highway and Interstate 5. The boundaries include the Seapoint Townhomes and Pointe Del Mar developments.

The spraying will continue early Thursday and Friday morning if necessary, according to county officials.

The county sprays annually to prevent the spread of WNV, which can be transmitted by mosquitoes to humans.

In most cases, people don't notice any symptoms, but the illness can sometimes turn serious. Last year, 44 human cases of the virus were reported to county health officials, six of which were fatal.

County officials said they spray low volumes of a pesticide considered to be of low risk to humans or pets.

Residents who want to avoid the spray can keep themselves and their pets indoors overnight, close doors and windows, shut off any fans that circulate outside air into the home, and rinse homegrown fruit and vegetables.

Outdoor activities can be resumed a half-hour after spraying, county officials said.

City News Service

Editor's note: This post has been updated to correct the manner by which the pesticides will be sprayed. The spraying will not be aerial as previously reported.

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