To date, no illnesses associated with the mosquito have been reported in California. But officials say the insect, which can carry diseases including yellow fever and dengue, has been spotted in Menlo Park
Vector control officials and volunteers are going door-to-door, handing out information about ways to prevent the spread of the mosquito.
Residents are urged to use insect repellants, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible, make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens with no holes and eliminate all standing water from around the home. Mosquito netting should also be used over infant carriers, cribs and strollers.
Neglected swimming pools, which can provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes, should be reported at (650) 344-8592 or (408) 918-4770.
Residents who experience mosquito bites during the day should report them to the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District at (650) 344-8592 or the Santa Clara Vector District (408) 918-4770.
(Bay City News contributed to this report)
