County officials Monday announced plans to conduct pesticide spraying this week in neighborhoods north of the Los Peñasquitos 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.
Ground spraying will continue early Thursday and Friday morning if necessary, according to county officials.
The county sprays annually to prevent the spread of West Nile virus, 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 and 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.
