Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT
200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org


THIS IS A COMMUNITY ALERT FROM SMPD SENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF SAN MATEO AND THE SAN MATEO COUNTY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT (SMCMVD)

The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District (SMCMVCD) has detected adult mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus (WNV) collected September 16, 2014 within the 94404 ZIP code area. The District will be conducting truck-mounted mosquito fogging around the detection site in an effort to prevent human cases of WNV. The spraying will occur on Thursday, September 18th from 9:00pm to 5:00am.

The area to be fogged is roughly bordered by Regan Drive in San Mateo to the southwest, Belmont Slough to the east, and Beach Park Blvd. in Foster City to the north. Fogging will also take place on the Oracle campus and Bayshore Technology Park. For your convenience, we have included the map of the area to be sprayed.

According to SMCMVCD, the chemical to be used is Zenivex. This is an oil based formula that is EPA approved to be safe for use in all urban environments and there are no precautionary measures that need to be taken by residents within the fogging area. Mosquitoes will be collected in the area after the fogging is complete. If post-treatment mosquito samples are still carrying West Nile Virus, the district may fog the area again.

West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The primary hosts are birds. Humans, horses and other animals can become infected with WNV if bitten by an infected mosquito. It cannot be spread person to person. Reports of dead birds are an early indication that the virus is circulating in the environment. Residents are encouraged to help by reporting fresh carcasses of birds or tree squirrels to the West Nile virus hotline, online at www.westnile.ca.gov or by phone at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).

For more information about the spraying, please call the SMCMVCD at (650) 344-8592 or go to http://smcmad.org


How to keep you and your family safe from mosquitoes:
It wouldn’t be summer without mosquitoes. Usually their mildly annoying bite creates a tiny bump and a couple days of scratching. But, they are also carriers of the West Nile virus, which can be found in dead birds, squirrels and other small animals. While these cases are rare in San Mateo and throughout the Bay Area, it’s important to know what you can do to prevent mosquitoes from biting and breeding around your home.

Follow the “Three D’s” as outlined by the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District (SMCMVCD).

DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls.
DAWN & DUSK – Mosquitos bite in the early morning and evening. It is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out.
DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

For more information please call the SMCMVCD at (650) 344-8592

FROM THE SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT:
As always, we count on our community members to be SMPD’s “extra eyes and ears.” Please report ANY suspicious activity to SMPD right away via 911, or 650-522-7700. For information related to any ongoing SMPD investigation, call the Detective Bureau at 650-522-7650. You may also contact us anonymously by voicemail 650-522-7676 or text message 650-262-3473.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH -- WORK AS A TEAM AND PROTECT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Please help us make your neighborhood safer and take a stand against crime. Please report all criminal behavior, join a neighborhood watch program, and help anyone that might fall victim to a crime. If a Neighborhood Watch doesn’t exist on your block, you can start one with help from SMPD. For additional information about the City of San Mateo Neighborhood Watch Program, call SMPD Community Services at (650)522-7626 or visit our web www.cityofsanmateo.org. For more tips on how to celebrate a safe and happy 4th of July, see your Community Blog at www.sanmateopd.org.

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