SAN DIEGO - County officials hand-sprayed a section of Nestor Wednesday in a precautionary effort to prevent an outbreak of the Zika virus.
A resident contracted the disease while traveling outside the United States, and mosquitoes capable of carrying the illness were found in the neighborhood, according to the county.
The neighborhood south of the Interstate 5-state Route 905 interchange is about nine acres in size and encompasses residences on Pikake and Lawndale streets, Deep Haven Lane and Quadra Avenue.
It was the 10th neighborhood sprayed by the county to keep Zika from spreading to the Aedes mosquito population, which could then transmit the virus to people. So far, no mosquitoes in the San Diego region or elsewhere in the state have tested positive for Zika.
Previous sprayings have taken place in Chula Vista, Escondido, Lemon Grove and various neighborhoods in San Diego.
The Zika virus came to light earlier this year when some infected pregnant women gave birth to babies with microcephaly, which causes heads and brains to be smaller than normal. Around 20 percent of people who contract Zika actually get sick.
The pesticide used by the county, Pyrenone 25-5, is derived from chrysanthemums. County officials say Pyrenone 25-5 poses low risks to people and pets and dissipates in roughly 20-30 minutes.
County officials also ask that residents prevent mosquito breeding by removing standing water, and reporting Aedes mosquito activity. The type is different from native mosquitoes in that they prefer to be in or around homes and bite in daylight.
